Di Pauli, who turned 25 on Monday, was on pace to double his offensive production in 2018-19 from the previous year with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins before a lower-body injury ended his season after just 29 games. He did produce seven goals and 15 points in those contests.
During the 2017-18 season, the 5-foot-11, 188-pound Di Pauli enjoyed his best campaign as a professional, netting 12 goals and 20 points in 58 games with WBS. Di Pauli has played for WBS in each of his three seasons as a pro, notching 37 points (21G-16A) in 108 career games.
Pittsburgh originally signed Di Pauli as a free agent on August 19, 2016. He had been drafted by the Washington Capitals in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft held at PPG Paints Arena, but he did not sign with the Caps.
Prior to joining the Penguins, the native of Woodbridge, Illinois skated four seasons of college hockey at Notre Dame. Di Pauli wrapped up his collegiate career at Notre Dame with 30 goals, 48 assists and 78 points.
Di Pauli was born in Caldaro, Italy and moved to Illinois along with his mother and brother, Theo, to play hockey for the Chicago Mission when he was 12.
