Hurricanes Select University Of Michigan Winger Phillip Di Guiseppe With 38th Overall Pick

After dealing away their No. 8 overall pick Friday night in a package to land Jordan Staal, the Hurricanes made their first selection of 2012 draft, selecting University of Michigan rising sophomore Phillip Di Giuseppe with the 38th overall pick.

Di Giuseppe had 11 goals and 15 assists in 40 games for the Wolverines last season, but had a 14-game goalless drought that may have hurt his draft stock.

International Scouting Services had this to say about the 6', 176-pound left wing:

PDG is creative with the puck. He's a smooth skating LW with good vision and headsy anticipation. Phil had an impressive freshman season at powerhouse Michigan. He transitioned well from Junior A and quickly took advantage of all opportunities early on. Phil showed well at Team Canada camp. PDG works hard, particularily in the offensive Zone. He has soft hands and a good accurate shot. Look for continued development under the tutelage of legendary Head Coach Red Berenson. PDG plays with confidence. He drives to the net well and on PP often found sneaking around the crease for a tap in. Very effective offensively, needs work on his defensive game, fortunately Michigan is known for developing quality two way NHL players. A nice addition to any NHL team.

Di Giuseppe ranked fifth in the bench press reps and seventh in bench press pounds lifted per pound of body weight at the NHL Combine, showing up his upper body strength.