The Carolina Hurricanes finally got what they wanted from former RFA Brett Carson as the defenseman agreed to sign a one-year, two-way contract today. The deal will pay him $500,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL.
Carson had one of the best plus/minus stats on the team last season and ended up playing a solid game in his own end. Jim Rutherford was pleased with the signing and had this quote:
"Brett got his first shot at being a regular on the NHL level last season, and proved that he could provide a consistent, solid presence on our back end," said Rutherford."We’re happy that we were able to get this deal done and bring him back, as this really strengthens the depth of our defense."
The move adds another youngster to the blueline, but Carson provides more of a "defensive mentality" to the group. More analysis about the Canes defense in a bit.
For more details, see the Hurricanes press release after the jump:
Carson, 24, established NHL career highs in games played (54), goals (2), assists (10) and points (12) for Carolina in 2009-10. The Regina, Sask., native ranked second among Hurricanes skaters in plus/minus, with a plus-5 rating, and was fourth on the team in blocked shots (89). He scored his first NHL goal on Jan. 10, beating Ottawa’s Pascal LeClaire, and averaged 17:22 in ice time per game. Carson also skated in 14 AHL games with Albany in 2009-10, notching three goals and eight assists (11 points).
Drafted by the Hurricanes in the fourth round, 109th overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Carson (6’4", 210 lbs.) has totaled two goals, 10 assists (12 points) and 16 penalty minutes in 59 career NHL games with the Hurricanes. He has 13 goals, 75 assists (88 points) and 92 penalty minutes in 223 career AHL games, all with Albany.
For more info, check out CH.com.