New York Rangers: Who in the world is Daniel Catenacci?

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NEWARK, NJ – SEPTEMBER 23: New York Rangers left wing Daniel Catenacci (43) attempt to corral a wobbling puck during a preseason NHL game between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers on September 23, 2017 at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Pre-NHL Draft

Before even getting to the Ontario Hockey League, Catenacci played for the York Simcoe Express Minor Midget AAA team of the ETAMMHL (Eastern Triple-A Minor Midget Hockey League). He was granted the captaincy and played there for less than one season in 2008-2009, at age 15.

In 39 games, Catenacci scored a whopping 42 goals and 45 assists for a total of 87 points. He also registered 152 penalty minutes.

He then moved up to the Villanova Knights of the OJHL (Ontario Junior Hockey League). In just two games, he notched one goal and zero assists, for one point.

In the 2009 OHL Draft, the center was selected first overall by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Other notable names from this draft include Ryan Strome (eighth overall), Nick Cousins (21st overall), and former Rangers Matt Puempel (sixth overall) and John Moore (23rd overall).

He started playing for the Greyhounds in the 2009-2010 season when he was 16 years old. Catenacci played in 65 games, recording 10 goals and 20 assists for a total of 30 points. The team made the playoffs that year, and he recorded two points (one goal and one assist) in five games.

The next season, he was named an alternate captain. In 67 games, he scored 26 goals and 45 assists for 71 points, smashing his point total from the year before.

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