Former Notre Dame forward Thomas DiPauli has signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins the team announced Friday.
The #Pens have signed forward Thomas DiPauli to a two-year, entry-level contract. Details: https://t.co/qyCxkwmt2apic.twitter.com/h1jDZmxOaf
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) August 19, 2016
DiPauli, 22, became an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday and was reportedly receiving interest from at least six NHL teams. DiPauli was part of a group of former college hockey players that became free agents on Tuesday, headlined by former Harvard University forward Jimmy Vesey.
After being drafted by the Washington Capitals with the 100th pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, DiPauli opted to play college hockey at Notre Dame for the next four seasons. On Tuesday, DiPauli became an unrestricted free agent after the Capitals were unable to sign him within the four-year period required under the current NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement.
In 145 career college hockey games, DiPauli registered 30 goals and 78 points. Last season with the Fighting Irish, DiPauli had his best season offensively, skating in 37 games and tallying career-highs in goals (14) and points (32).
For the Penguins, landing DiPauli is hopefully not the last free agent the team signs this summer. The 2016 Stanley Cup champions are reportedly one of the teams left on a short list of those being considered by Vesey, who is expected to make his decision this week.
