Red Wings prospect Robert Mastrosimone excited for fresh start in 2022-23

DETROIT -- After three seasons at Boston University, Robert Mastrosimone wanted a change of scenery.

So in April, the Detroit Red Wings forward prospect entered the NCAA's transfer portal and announced the following month that he committed to Arizona State.
"There was a lot of thought with my family, my advisor and everyone close to me that went into that decision," said Mastrosimone, who was Detroit's 54th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. "It was the right thing for me. I thought I needed a fresh start just to get out in front of some new eyes, new teammates, new coaches, new area to get my game to that next level."

Mastrosimone enjoyed a standout season at Boston in 2021-22, setting career-highs in goals (11), assists (14) and points (25) in 34 games. In three seasons with the Terriers, Mastrosimone recorded 21 goals and 29 assists in 83 games.
According to the 21-year-old, navigating the transfer portal was advantageous.
"It's kind of like recruiting all over again," Mastrosimone said. "But it was a really cool experience being able to talk to all different coaches, hear what everyone has to say and hear how everyone wants to coach their team."
Before his time at Boston University, Mastrosimone enjoyed an impressive 2018-19 season with the USHL's Chicago Steel, earning 60 points (31-29-60) in 54 games.
"It's definitely a different adjustment," Mastrosimone said about adapting to Division I college hockey. "As you go up in every league, you got that little adjustment period. I think this year, I'm fully ready."
The East Islip, N.Y., native knows that reaching the next level "will take a lot of focus," but believes his new teammates will help him achieve his professional hockey goals.

"I wanna push them to be their best," Mastrosimone said. "The most important thing to me is just really showing up and being a pro every day by getting to the rink and doing the right things on and off the ice."
In preparation for the upcoming season, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound forward worked on building strength.
"I've put on a good amount of weight this summer and got stronger," Mastrosimone said. "I would say I'm pretty close to really getting to a spot where I wanna be."
And after participating in the Red Wings' Development Camp this summer, Mastrosimone has his sights set on a strong 2022-23 campaign.
"I think this is gonna be the best year for myself and my team," Mastrosimone said. "I'm really excited for that."