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Pittsburgh Signs College UFA Forward, No Not That One

August 19, 2016, 4:19 PM ET [105 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed a college UFA forward. No, it isn't that guy but it was one of the better ones that was available.




DiPauli was originally drafted by the Washington Capitals in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft at CONSOL Energy Center. He became a free agent earlier this week.

DiPauli, 22, played in all 37 games of the 2015-16 season with the University of Notre Dame, scoring a career-high 14 goals and 18 assists for a career-high 32 points. DiPauli served as alternate captain for the Fighting Irish, finishing the season with a plus-13. He was named an Honorable Mention Hockey East All-Star and was also voted the team’s Offensive MVP following the season.

The 5-foot-11, 197-pound, left-handed shooter finished his four-year career at Notre Dame with 30 goals, 48 assists and 78 points.


Here are the contract details




DiPauli was teammates with Bryan Rust at Notre Dame and depending on who you talk to there have been some that say their games are somewhat similar. DiPauli will more than likely be an upgrade for the Baby Penguins with the potential to earn an NHL spot in the future. Signing college free agents like this are free assets. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. No big deal in signing players to take the chance and find out.

Here is what DiPauli thinks about his game:




Here is something worth pointing out when signing these college free agents:




Now DiPauli probably doesn't fit the "free late first round pick" billing but it is like a free draft pick and what we know about the draft is that it is a very random thing. The more "lottery balls" you have the better chance of getting something good.

Here is an interesting factoid I came across.




Any tiny edge helps when you are courting a player that multiple teams are all in on but can only offer the same financial package as everyone else.

Thanks for reading!
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