Islanders 2012 Draft Central - Andreas Athanasiou and Phil Di Giuseppe

In the days leading up to the NHL Draft, newyorkislanders.com will break down the top 50 eligible prospects

Wednesday, 06.06.2012 / 12:00 AM / Islanders 2012 Draft Central

By Travis Betts

Andreas Athanasiou
London Knights, OHL

Position:	C	Shoots:	Left
Height:	6'0"	Born:	6-Aug-94
Weight:	179	Hometown:	Mississauga, ONT

2011-12	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
London	63	22	15	37	22

Phil Di Giuseppe
University of Michigan, CCHA

Position:	LW	Shoots:	Left
Height:	6'0"	Born:	9-Oct-93
Weight:	176	Hometown:	Maple, ONT

2011-12	GP	G	A	P	PIM
Michigan	40	11	15	26	18

Andreas Athanasiou will be a valuable asset for a team looking for a speedy forward toward the end of the first round or early second round. The Mississauga, ON native scored just 37 points (22 goals, 15 assists) in 63 games last season for the Knights, leaving some scouts skeptical of his ability, but those who follow the team closely will point out that he has gotten stronger, more mature and creates chances for his teammates.

Phil Di Giuseppe scored 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) during his freshman year with the Wolverines. He was named CCHA Rookie of the Month in October, posting nine points in his first eight collegiate games, and eventually earned an invite to Team Canada’s selection camp for the World Junior tournament. While some scouts classify Di Giuseppe as a pure scorer, his hockey instincts and playmaking abilities are what set him apart from other freshmen in his league.

Ryan Strome, Islanders first round pick in 2011
Andreas Athanasiou is real fast. He can really fly out there, and he put up 22 goals while playing not a huge role in London. That’s pretty impressive. Speed is the thing that comes to mind.

Trent Klatt, Islanders Player Development
Andreas Athanasiou is a very good, smooth skating forward. He has the ability to create time and space for himself with his speed.

Robbie Russo, Islanders prospect
Phil Di Giuseppe is a big forward who skates well. He’s real good in the corners.

Trent Klatt, Islanders Player Development
Phil Di Giuseppe had a good season playing NCAA hockey at Michigan. Not many players capable of doing that. He has the size and strength to play at that level.

Click here for Islanders 2012 Draft Central's breakdown of the top-50 players available in this year's draft.

Andreas Athanasiou (left) of the London Knights and Phil
Di Giuseppe (right) of the University of Michigan Wolverines
are the #32 and #31 ranked draft prospects.

Edmonton Oilers
2.

Columbus Blue Jackets
3.

Montreal Canadiens
4.

New York Islanders
5.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Round 1 - 4th overall
Round 2 - 34th overall
Round 2 - 50th overall
Round 3 - 65th overall
Round 4 - 103rd overall (from BUF)
Round 5 - 125th overall
Round 6 - 155th overall
Round 7 - 185th overall

Islanders last five first-round picks
2011: Ryan Strome (5th overall)
2010: Nino Niederreiter (5th overall)
2009: John Tavares (1st overall)
2008: Josh Bailey (9th overall)
2006: Kyle Okposo (7th overall)

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