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

Di Giuseppe, 20, ranked 22nd in the Big Ten in scoring in 2013-14, totaling 13 goals and 11 assists (24 points) in 35 games for the University of Michigan. He netted game-winning goals for the Wolverines vs. Michigan State on Jan. 23, Penn State on Feb. 22 and at Ohio State on March 2. The Maple, Ont., native scored a goal to force overtime in Michigan’s Big Ten Tournament opener against Penn State, before the Wolverines fell to the Nittany Lions in double overtime to end their 2013-14 campaign.

Selected by the Hurricanes in the second round, 38th overall, in the 2012 NHL Draft, Di Giuseppe completed his college career with 33 goals, 45 assists (78 points) and 79 penalty minutes in 116 career games for Michigan.