:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56195293/494135638.0.jpg)
17-Cam Dineen- Left Defense
Where Did He Come From? 3rd round of the 2016 draft at #68
Rank in last year’s 21 under 21? 16
Has He Played in the NHL?: Not yet, but with a newly signed ELC that could change this coming season.
About Dineen:
Cameron “Cam” Dineen had a stellar rookie season with the North Bay Battalion, putting up a record of 13-46-59 in 68 games played. His performance earned him honors as Rookie of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, and he was named to the Ontario Hockey League First All-Rookie Team.
Unfortunately, his sophomore season didn’t go exactly as planned. An MCL injury that required surgery ended his season after only 29 games played with a record of 6-8-14. He was cleared to play by the end of the season and might have returned to the ice if his team had made the postseason, but that wasn’t in the cards either. Instead, the Toms River, NJ native returned to the ice as part of the Coyotes development camp.
According to Jersey Shore Online, he has also continued to train with the Coyotes staff throughout July and August, working on his strength and slight improvements to his skating. Hopefully the extra training will mean that he can compete for a spot in training camp.
Dineen hasn’t had an opportunity yet to show what he can do against full-time NHL players as he only signed his Entry Level Contract this year. His lack of physical presence may also deter him from being able to make an early transition to the NHL game. Due to the Canadian Hockey League’s agreement with the NHL, Dineen isn’t eligible to play in the AHL so it’s either NHL or back to juniors for him this season.
What does the future hold for Cam Dineen?:
Like the rest of the left-handed defensemen in the Coyotes system, Dineen’s biggest problems are the rest of the left-handed defensemen in the system. Since he was hailed as a sleeper pick by not just one but two sister sites, Winging It In Motown and All About the Jersey, it’s safe to say that if Dineen doesn’t end up with a roster spot, other teams might just come knocking.