Prospect Report: Bortuzzo on the cusp of being NHL ready
Robert Bortuzzo– Age 21
Born: 3-18-1989, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
Height: 6-3 Weight: 203 lbs
Position: D Shoots: R
2007 3rd round draft pick Estimated Arrival: 2011
Current Team: Wilkes Barre Scranton (AHL)
Latest Buzz: In his first professional season in Wilkes Barre, Bortuzzo has drawn rave reviews from team executives. Bortuzzo appeared in 75 games, scoring 2 goals and 10 assists including a plus-13 rating. Bortuzzo ranked fourth on the team with 109 penalty minutes.
Along with 2009 1st round pick Simon Despres, Bortuzzo headlines a strong group of defensemen in the Penguins system.
Scouting Report: Bortuzzo is regarded inside the organization as the Penguins #2 defensemen in their system. Has made great strides in his development and is considered one of Pittsburgh’s untouchables. Has developed a physical edge to his game and is on the cusp of being NHL ready.
Strengths: – A defensive defenseman
– Plays the body well, good positioning, keeps incoming forwards to the outside
– Strong skating ability, accelerates well, has good first two steps skating backwards

– Great hockey sense, wants to get better
– Has gone away from relying on his long reach
– Ability on the breakout has become a strength in Wilkes Barre
Weaknesses: Needs to get stronger and bulk up, which will help him improve his ability to clear the front of the net at the NHL level
Potential – Low End #3 defenseman/High end #4 defenseman

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