| Francesco Iasenza | Victoriaville Tigers | QMJHL | L | D | 6’0″ | 174 | Moncton Wildcats | 2020 | Pointe Claire, QC | 2004 | 2022-2023: C+ 2021-2022: C+ |
QMJHL: Victoriaville vs Chicoutimi, January 8, 2023: Iasenza totaled 18:21 in ice time including 1:43 while on the power play and 1:07 while on the penalty kill. He was an absolute transition machine in this one and truthfully there were times when it looked too easy. He stepped up on multiple passes to pick them off cleanly. He did an excellent job of looking one way while passing the other and more often times than not was able to get the opposing forecheckers to have their toe caps facing the wrong direct when he made the pass. He finished the game even with 0 points, 2 shots, 1 PP shot, 1 grade “A” opportunity that came after he intercepted a pass along the offensive blueline to then walk down the middle lane, 2 PIMs on an offensive zone trip in the offensive zone early in the third, 0 hits, received 1 hard body check, 2 giveaways, 9 takeaways and he won 55% of his 11 puck battles.
Neutral Zone Ian Moran: There is little doubt that Iasenza is a leader on the ice as he naturally does little things that coaches love and has been rewarded by being named an Assistant Captain after 21 games in the QMJHL. He is an excellent penalty killer who plays in straight lines and is more than willing to get big low to block shots. He easily clears shooting lanes and wins wall battles in all three zones, basically Iasenza plays dramatically larger than his listed 5’11” 179lbs and even as a 2004 his opponents treat him with fear and respect. Offensively he consistently makes the the easy read to release pressure in the defensive zone or makes a hard flat pass to his forwards. He has a hard snap shot from the point and is more than willing to one-time any type of bouncing puck that comes his way, but as his game develops Iasenza will need to continue working on his shot from the point and the ability to open shooting lanes so his shot get through to the net. To Neutral Zone he is a no frills hard nosed defense first defenseman who puts winning and his team’s success above all else. As of right now Iasenza is probably not on many popular draft lists, but we feel his leadership and attitude make him an ideal mid-round pick.
Neutral Zone NHL: Why a draft pick, he is a leader who is willing to do the little things necessary to win shift after shift. He pays attention to the details away from the puck like he is a veteran. During 2021/22 he averaged 21:52 of TOI with only 3:46 of it being penalty kill minutes. Through 85 career QMJHL games, he has won 60.5% of his puck battles. Why not a draft pick, He averaged 0:37 TOI of power-play time during 2021/22. How will the combination of his physical style of play and being 5’11” and 179 pounds hold up in the NHL? Through 85 career QMJHL games, 43.5% of his shots hit the net. During 2021/22 he had forty-seven point shots blocked.
Ville de Saguenay: CCM Midget AAA Challenge, February 10, 2020: Francesco is a good sized defender who has a nice, long stride with good agility. He comes out from behind his own net with the puck on his stick and comes up the ice with speed. A firm, crisp passer with a hard slap shot and a heady style of play. He has smooth hands, good puck control, and carries with some real jump. He gets shot off quickly and plays a very smart, mature game at such a young age. He has exceptional vision and reads the ice very well. His offensive blueline mobility was on display as he would walk the line and zip passes; thinks it quick and solid distributor. He closes well and defends with both his feet and stick. He is always aware of what is going on and with some experience, Iasenza can develop into a high end offensive-defenseman. Grade A-