Carolina Hurricanes Claim Forward Martin Frk on Waivers from Detroit Red Wings, Sign Free Agent Defenseman Jakub Nakladal

The Carolina Hurricanes have claimed forward Martin Frk from waivers and signed free-agent defenseman Jakub Nakladal to a one-year contract.

Frk was drafted 49th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2012 NHL entry draft and is a veteran of 148 AHL games with the Grand Rapids Griffins. He scored 27 goals in 67 games with the Griffins last season.

Nakladal, 28, earns a contract off the back of a solid performance at the World Cup of Hockey. He spent last season split between the Calgary Flames and the Stockton Heat, posting five points in 27 NHL games.

The team press releases for Frk and Nakladal follow.

HURRICANES CLAIM MARTIN FRK ON WAIVERS
Forward will join Carolina’s training camp

Ron Francis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team claimed forward Martin Frk (FIRK) on waivers from Detroit. Frk will join Carolina’s training camp following Monday’s scheduled off day.

“Martin played well in Grand Rapids last year, and took a step forward in his offensive production with 27 goals in 67 games,” said Francis. “He has been a goal scorer at every level.”

Frk, 23, skated in 67 games in 2015-16 with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Grand Rapids Griffins, scoring 27 goals and earning 17 assists (44 points). His 27 goals last season ranked second among Griffins skaters, and his 11 power-play goals led the team and ranked tied for fifth in the AHL. The Pelhrimov, Czech Republic, native has played three full professional seasons since turning pro in 2013-14, and has scored 36 goals and earned 32 assists (68 points) in 148 career AHL regular-season games with Grand Rapids. Detroit selected Frk (6’1”, 194 lbs.) in the second round, 49^th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He has yet to make his NHL debut.

CANES AGREE TO TERMS WITH JAKUB NAKLADAL

Defenseman skated for Czech Republic at World Cup of Hockey

Ron Francis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Jakub Nakladal (YA-kuhb nahk-LA-dahl) on a one-year contract. The deal will pay Nakladal $600,000 for the 2016-17 season.

“Jakub was solid in his first professional season in North America last season, and played well at the World Cup,” said Francis. “This gives us additional depth and experience along the blue line as we open the season this week.”

Nakladal, 28, appeared in 27 games with the Calgary Flames in 2015-16, totaling five points (2g, 3a) and six penalty minutes, and averaging 14:11 of ice time per game. The Hradec Kralove, Cze., native also appeared in 35 American Hockey League (AHL) games with Stockton, earning 14 points (2g, 12a). Prior to signing with Calgary, Nakladal spent the 2014-15 season with TPS Turko in Liiga, the top Finnish professional league, netting three goals and adding 12 assists (15 points) in 50 games.

Nakladal has represented the Czech Republic in a number of international competitions, most recently appearing in all three games for his home country at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He also appeared for the Czech Republic at the 2012, 2013 and 2015 IIHF World Championships.