Phillip Di Giuseppe Explained

Phillip Di Giuseppe
Birth Date:9 October 1993
Birth Place:Maple, Ontario, Canada
Height Ft:6
Height In:0
Weight Lb:192
Position:Left wing
Shoots:Left
League:NHL
Team:Vancouver Canucks
Prospect League:AHL
Former Teams:Carolina Hurricanes
Nashville Predators
New York Rangers
Draft:38th overall
Draft Year:2012
Draft Team:Carolina Hurricanes
Career Start:2014

Phillip Di Giuseppe (born October 9, 1993) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 38th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Early life

Di Giuseppe was born on October 9, 1993, in Maple, Ontario to parents Luciano and Cathy. His father works as a general contractor while his mother works in finance.[1] He began playing hockey when he was 7.

Playing career

Amateur

Growing up in Ontario, Di Giuseppe played his amateur hockey with the Vaughan Kings in the Greater Toronto Hockey League and the Villanova Knights in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).[2] During the 2009–10 season with the Knights, he accumulated 16 goals and 31 assists through 56 games.[3] At the conclusion of the season, Di Giuseppe was drafted in the 6th round of the 2009 Ontario Hockey League Draft by the Niagara IceDogs.[4] Despite being drafted, Di Giuseppe chose to play in the OJHL for the 2010–11 season where he broke out with 24 goals and 39 assists for 63 points. He continued his offensive prowess in the 2011 OJHL playoffs by tallying six goals and 10 assists through 10 games.[3] Following the 2010–11 OJHL season, Di Giuseppe was selected for the South-East Conference All-Prospects Second Team.[5]

Collegiate

While playing with the Knights, Di Giuseppe committed to play collegiate hockey with the University of Michigan of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) during their 2011–12 season.[3] He played three seasons with the Michigan Wolverines from 2011 to 2014 while enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.[6] Di Giuseppe immediately made an impact on the Wolverine's lineup while playing alongside Chris Brown and A.J. Treais.[7] He scored his first and second NCAA goals on October 8 during the Wolverine's 4–1 win over the Bentley Falcons.[8] By the end of October, Di Giuseppe's line had combined for 28 points and he was recognized as the CCCHA's Rookie of the Month for October and Rookie of the Week for the week ending on October 31.[7] At the same time, Di Giuseppe's OHL playing rights were traded to the Windsor Spitfires alongside Jaroslav Pavelka and various draft picks in exchange for Tom Kühnhackl and Windsor’s second-round pick in the CHL Import Draft in 2013.[9] Shortly following this trade, Di Giuseppe was invited to audition for Team Canada's National Junior Team ahead of the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.[10] By the end of November, Di Giuseppe led the team with seven goals over 16 games and was one of two NCAA freshman named to the NHL Central Scouting Bureau's preliminary "Ones to Watch" list.[11] He was also ranked 28th amongst all draft eligible North American skaters in the Scouting Bureau's mid-term rankings.[12] However, Di Giuseppe began to struggle offensively during the second half of the season and he went six games without a point and nearly two months without a goal.[13] He began to pick up points during the Wolverines playoff berth in March and quickly tallied five points over six games.[14] Di Giuseppe finished his freshman season with 26 points to rank second among team rookies in scoring. Following his freshman season, Di Giuseppe was selected in the second round by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.[15]

Di Giuseppe returned to Michigan for his sophomore season in 2012–13, where he gained a new linemate in Luke Moffatt. His former linemate Chris Brown had left Michigan after signing an entry-level deal with the Phoenix Coyotes organization.[16] However, Di Giuseppe struggled to match his freshman production level and gained new linemates in Boo Nieves and Kevin Lynch in February. The trio immediately developed chemistry together and Di Giuseppe quickly tied Nieves for the team lead in assists with 14.[17] While playing alongside his new linemates, Di Giuseppe began to focusing more on passing than scoring. Although he had only accumulated eight goals by the end of February, he matched his previous seasons assist total with 15.[18] Di Giuseppe finished his sophomore season with nine goals and a career best 19 assists for 28 points through 40 games.[6] At the conclusion his sophomore season, Di Giuseppe was invited to participate in the Hurricanes' 2013 Development Camp.[19]

Following the Development Camp, Di Giuseppe returned to Michigan for his junior season in 2013–14.[6] After the team maintained a 6–1–1 record, Di Giuseppe gained new linemates in Andrew Copp and Tyler Motte.[20] Motte was later replaced with Boo Nieves and the trio immediately developed chemistry from their first game together.[21] [22] Despite this, the Wolverines were eliminated from playoff contention on March 20, 2014.[23] Di Giuseppe finished his junior year fifth on the Wolverines in scoring with 13 goals and 11 assists for 24 points.[24]

Carolina Hurricanes

Having played 115 games with the Wolverines, Di Giuseppe opted to forgo his final year of eligibility, signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Hurricanes on March 26, 2014.[25] He was signed to an amateur try-out contract by the Hurricanes' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, recording one assist in three games to conclude 2013–14 regular season.

Di Giuseppe began the 2015–16 season with the Checkers. On December 4, 2015, Di Giuseppe received his first NHL recall by the Hurricanes.[26] The following day he made his NHL debut in a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens.[27]

On July 27, 2017, the Hurricanes re-signed Di Giuseppe to a one-year, two-way contract worth $725,000.[28]

Nashville Predators

On January 1, 2019, Di Giuseppe was claimed on waivers by the Nashville Predators.[29] He appeared in three games for the Predators, while also playing in 24 games for their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.

New York Rangers

On July 18, 2019, as a free agent, Di Giuseppe signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers.[30] By December 2019, Di Giuseppe led the Hartford Wolf Pack with six goals and seven assists for 13 points through 25 games. He also led the team in shots on goal and was tied for the team lead in plus/minus rating.[31] He finished the shortened 2019–20 season with one goal and three assists through 20 games with the Rangers while also averaging 9.70 shots on goal per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5. Prior to the start of the 2020–21 season, Di Giuseppe signed a contract extension to remain with the Rangers on October 13.[32]

Vancouver Canucks

On July 28, 2021, Di Giuseppe signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks.[33] After attending the Canucks' Development Camp ahead of the 2021–22 season, Di Giuseppe was re-assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks.[34] He was recalled to the NHL level on December 14 after Luke Schenn and Juho Lammikko were placed in COVID-19 Protocol.[35] However, he tested positive for COVID while the team was in California and was unable to play during his recall.[36] He was eventually activated off the NHL's COVID-19 protocol and was re-assigned to the AHL on January 13.[37] Di Giuseppe was called up again later in February to assist their depleted lineup on their Eastern North America road trip. At the time of the recall, he had accumulated 11 goals and 21 assists through 35 games for Abbotsford.[36] Di Giuseppe finished the 2021–22 season with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, ranking sixth on the team in scoring. He also set new career-highs with 24 assists and 36 points and ranked third on the team in shots. On July 13, 2022, Di Giuseppe signed another one-year, two-way contract extension.[38]

Ahead of the 2022–23 season, head coach Bruce Boudreau announced that Di Giuseppe had suffered a lower-body injury and was expected to need two to four weeks to recover.[39] He was eventually placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment to Abbotsford on October 19.[40] In the later half of the season, Di Giuseppe alternated between the NHL and AHL on numerous occasions.[41] On March 12, 2023, Di Giuseppe signed a two-year two-way contract extension with the Canucks.[42]

Career statistics

Regular seasonPlayoffs
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPtsPIMGPGAPtsPIM
2009–10Villanova KnightsOJHL561631474461340
2010–11Villanova KnightsOJHL492439632510610166
2011–12Michigan WolverinesCCHA4011152618
2012–13Michigan WolverinesCCHA409192832
2013–14Michigan WolverinesB1G3513112429
2013–14Charlotte CheckersAHL30116
2014–15Charlotte CheckersAHL7611193020
2015–16Charlotte CheckersAHL258101812
2015–16Carolina HurricanesNHL417101718
2016–17Carolina HurricanesNHL3616715
2016–17Charlotte CheckersAHL401216282251014
2017–18Charlotte CheckersAHL1448128
2017–18Carolina HurricanesNHL49581317
2018–19Carolina HurricanesNHL211348
2018–19Charlotte CheckersAHL200019
2018–19Nashville PredatorsNHL30000
2018–19Milwaukee AdmiralsAHL245712652024
2019–20Hartford Wolf PackAHL4314122639
2019–20New York RangersNHL20134230000
2020–21New York RangersNHL3117813
2021–22Abbotsford CanucksAHL421224363720000
2022–23Abbotsford CanucksAHL3713193229
2022–23Vancouver CanucksNHL30661214
2023–24Vancouver CanucksNHL51551036111122
NHL totals282274875123141122

Notes and References

  1. Web site: PHIL DI GIUSEPPE . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023.
  2. Web site: Phil Di Giuseppe . Elite Prospects . July 3, 2023.
  3. Web site: Berenson Signs Five Recruits for 2011-12 Season . University of Michigan . July 3, 2023 . May 17, 2011.
  4. Web site: 2009 OHL PRIORITY SELECTION . Ontario Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . 24. 2010.
  5. Web site: 2010-11 OJHL Award Winners . OJHL . July 3, 2023.
  6. Web site: Phil Di Giuseppe . University of Michigan . July 3, 2023.
  7. News: Vukelich . Liz . Di Giuseppe named CCHA Rookie of the Month . July 3, 2023 . . November 1, 2011.
  8. News: Vukelich . Liz . Di Giuseppe a leading scorer in Michigan's weekend sweep . July 3, 2023 . The Michigan Daily . October 9, 2011.
  9. Web site: KUHNHACKL TRADED TO NIAGARA . Windsor Spitfires . July 3, 2023 . November 2, 2011.
  10. News: Banner . Aurora . Murphy, Di Giuseppe named to world junior camp roster . July 3, 2023 . York Region . November 29, 2011.
  11. Web site: McIntyre . Doug . The top 5 NCAA draft prospects . ESPN . July 3, 2023 . December 1, 2011.
  12. Web site: SPITFIRES ALL OVER MID-TERM RANKINGS . Windsor Spitfires . July 3, 2023 . January 11, 2012.
  13. News: Cook . Everett . Di Giuseppe continues to learn on defense . July 3, 2023 . Michigan Daily . January 31, 2012.
  14. News: Cook . Everett . Berenson's patience with freshmen pays off . July 3, 2023 . The Michigan Daily . March 13, 2012.
  15. News: Slovin . Matt . Di Giuseppe selected by Carolina at 38th overall . July 3, 2023 . The Michigan Daily . June 23, 2012.
  16. News: Slovin . Matt . Preseason breakdown of the Michigan hockey team roster . July 3, 2023 . The Michigan Daily . August 19, 2012.
  17. News: Laurila . Michael . Tandem of Di Giuseppe and Nieves producing . July 3, 2023 . The Michigan Daily . February 4, 2013.
  18. News: Garno . Greg . The long-awaited return to scoring for Guptill and Di Giuseppe . July 3, 2023 . The Michigan Daily . February 24, 2013.
  19. Web site: Williams . Terrell . Canes Announce Development Camp Roster, Schedule . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . July 10, 2013.
  20. News: Garno . Greg . Notebook: Lines change after offensive woes . July 3, 2023 . The Michigan Daily . November 11, 2013.
  21. News: Garno . Greg . Di Giuseppe's late goal lifts Wolverines to 2-1 victory over Michigan State . July 3, 2023 . The Michigan Daily . January 23, 2014.
  22. News: Lennon . Erin . New lines show signs of recharged offense . July 3, 2023 . The Michigan Daily . January 23, 2014.
  23. News: Zúñiga . Alejandro . Wolverines eliminated from Big Ten Tournament, season likely over . July 3, 2023 . The Michigan Daily . March 20, 2014.
  24. Web site: Cunningham . Pete . Michigan's Phil Di Giuseppe forgoes senior season for NHL, Alex Guptill reportedly to follow . MLive Media Group . July 3, 2023 . March 26, 2014.
  25. Web site: Canes agree to terms on entry-level deal with Di Giuseppe . . 2014-03-26 . 2014-03-26.
  26. Web site: Hurricanes recall McGinn, Slavin and Di Giuseppe . . 2015-12-04 . 2015-12-04.
  27. Web site: Skinner scores twice to lift Hurricanes past Canadiens . . 2015-12-05 . 2015-12-05.
  28. News: Canes re-sign Di Giuseppe to one-year deal . . 2017-07-27 . 2017-07-27.
  29. Web site: Predators claim Phil Di Giuseppe from Hurricanes . . 2019-01-01 . 2019-01-01.
  30. Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms With Free Agent Forward Phillip Di Giuseppe . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . July 18, 2019.
  31. Web site: Rangers Prospect Report: 12.09.19 . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . December 9, 2019.
  32. Web site: Rangers Agree to Terms with Phillip Di Giuseppe . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . October 13, 2020.
  33. Web site: Canucks Sign Seven Players to Two-Way Contracts . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . July 28, 2021.
  34. Web site: Canucks Reduce Pre-Season Roster . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . October 10, 2021.
  35. Web site: Luke Schenn and Juho Lammikko Placed in COVID-19 Protocol . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . December 14, 2021.
  36. News: Johnston . Patrick . Canucks put defencemen on injured reserve, recall depth forward . July 3, 2023 . The Province . February 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220226182611/https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/canucks-recall-phil-di-giuseppe-for-east-coast-road-trip . February 26, 2022.
  37. Web site: PREVIEW: Canucks at Hurricanes . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . January 14, 2022.
  38. Web site: Canucks Agree to Terms with Phillip Di Giuseppe on a Two-Way Contract . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . July 13, 2022.
  39. Web site: NHL Training Camp Buzz: Myers out 2-4 weeks for Canucks . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . October 7, 2022.
  40. Web site: PREVIEW: Canucks at Wild . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . October 20, 2022.
  41. Web site: PREVIEW: Canucks at Red Wings . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . February 11, 2023.
  42. Web site: Canucks Forward Phillip Di Giuseppe Agrees to a Two-Year Extension . National Hockey League . July 3, 2023 . March 12, 2013.