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The Carolina Hurricanes are reporting that they signed prospect Matt Kennedy to an entry level, three year contract today. Kennedy will earn $500,000 in year one and $525,000 in years two and three if he plays in the NHL. He will earn $50,000, $55,000, and $60,000 in years one, two, and three in the minors. He also received a $150,000 signing bonus.
Kennedy played five years in major juniors and was drafted by the Canes in the 5th round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He finished his career with 79 goals, 72 assists, and 336 penalty minutes in 231 games. He also contributed nine goals and six assists for 15 points in 17 OHL playoff games this season for the Barrie Colts.
The Ontario native was reportedly considering retirement after suffering a fifth career concussion, the latest received after a brutal hit by Zack Kassian in January. Kassian was suspended for 20 games, but Kennedy recovered and went on to play well in the most recent OHL playoffs.