Carolina Hurricanes re-signs defenseman Joni Pitkanen and forward Patrick Dwyer before the Free Agency
In another quick re-signing move on Tuesday to avoid the National Hockey League (NHL) Free Agency on July 1, Carolina Hurricanes re-signed defenseman, Joni Paitkanen, and forward attacker, Patrick Dwyer, both to multi-year deals.
27-year-old defenseman, Joni Pitkanen, signed to a three-year, $13.5 million contract, while Patrick Dwyer agreed on a two-year, $1.25 million deal.
Pitkanen, from Oulu, Finland, was drafted in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by Philadelphia Flyers as the fourth overall pick, and played with them for three seasons following a trade to Edmonton Oilers and is now entering his fourth season with Carolina.
He leads Hurricanes as a defenseman, recording 35 points last season, 5 goals and 30 assists, in 72 games played. Carolina’s general manager, Jim Rutherford, could not be happier at his decision to stay.
"Joni has been a very important part of our defence as he plays in all situations", Rutherford said about Pitkanen’s dynamic playing abilities on ice. "He plays a lot of minutes, and is one of the top puck movers in the league. We are very pleased that he
wanted to return to the Hurricanes".
Dwyer enjoyed his highest career record last season as he put up 18 points, 8 goals and 10 assists, in a total of 80 games, playing as a third-line attacker.
At the age of 28, Dwayer made a decision to continue with a team that has helped him grow as an offensive player.
"Patrick has become a durable and reliable NHL forward", Rutherford said about the Spokane, WA, native. "He is a very strong penalty killer, and he brings a lot of speed and energy to our group of forwards".
Both players were set to become unrestricted free agents when the free agency would have begun, only a few days from now on Friday.
Carolina ended its previous season only two points shy of making the playoffs at ninth position, but hopes to make a run for the cup when the 2011-2012 season begins.
Looking at the free agents on Friday will be another thing to do for Carolina in order to build up the team and create efficient special teams.
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