While there is no shortage of interest in free agent Jimmy Vesey, another former college hockey player is also garnering attention on the free agent market.
Former Notre Dame forward Thomas DiPauli also became an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday and is receiving interest from at least six NHL teams, according to Mark Divver of The Providence Journal.
Interest from half dozen teams in Notre Dame free agent winger Thomas DiPauli. He & Jimmy Vesey have same agents. Won’t be on market long.
— Mark Divver (@MarkDivver) August 17, 2016
DiPauli, 22, was originally drafted by the Washington Capitals with the 100th pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft but was unable to come to terms on a contract with the Capitals within the four-year period required under the current NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement.
A product of the U.S National Development Team, the native of Illinois opted to play U.S. college hockey at Notre Dame for four years after being drafted by the Capitals. In 145 games, DiPauli registered 30 goals and 78 points. Last season with the Fighting Irish, DiPauli had his best season offensively, skating in 37 games and tallying career-highs in goals (14) and points (32).
DiPauli does not have the type of offensive numbers that Vesey posted in college, but his performance the last four years has not gone unnoticed by NHL scouts based upon the reported interest he is currently receiving.