Vaughan player inks entry-level deal with NHL, Carolina Hurricanes

YorkRegion.com
March 27, 2014
By Michael Hayakawa

Phil Di Giuseppe is one step closer to forging a career in the National Hockey League after inking an entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes Wednesday.

The 20-year-old Maple resident, who just finished his junior year at the University of Michigan, came to an agreement with the Hurricanes by inking a three-year, entry-level contract.

On the NHL level, the deal will pay Di Giuseppe $675,000 (U.S.) in 2014-15, $725,000 in 2015-16 and $775,000 in 2016-17.

He will earn $70,000 per year on the American Hockey League level and the deal includes a signing bonus of $277,500.

A former member of the Villanova Knights of the Ontario Junior Hockey League before enrolling at the University of Michigan, Di Giuseppe amassed 13 goals and 11 assists in 35 games for the Ann Arbor-based school this past season.

During his three years at the University of Michigan, Di Giuseppe had 33 goals and 45 assists in 116 games.

Di Giuseppe was chosen by the Hurricanes in the second round and 38th overall in the 2012 NHL entry draft.

Ron Francis, Hurricanes vice-president of hockey operations, was elated to have Di Giuseppe join their organization.

“We’re pleased that Phil has chosen to begin his professional hockey career,” he said. “He’s got good size and adds to our organization’s depth at forward.”