LaCouture Earns a Spot

[caption id="attachment_1773" align="alignright" width="60" caption="Dan LaCouture"]

The Hurricanes signed free-agent tryout Dan LaCouture to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay LaCouture $475,000 at the NHL level and $50,000 in the AHL. LaCouture is guaranteed to earn at least $75,000 for the season.

"Dan came to our camp in great physical condition and earned himself a contract," assistant general manager Ron Francis said in the team's release. "He is an experienced, veteran player with good speed and size and is capable of contributing on the NHL level."

LaCouture made his presence felt right from the start of camp, quickly making an impression by scoring two goals in the Red-White scrimmage. While his scoring pace naturally slowed the rest of the preseason, LaCouture's effort was noticeable, be it in the corners working for pucks or dropping his gloves.