Hurricanes sign Pitkanen Raleigh, NC (Sports Network) - The Carolina Hurricanes made it official
Wednesday, signing defenseman Joni Pitkanen to a three-year contract.
Pitkanen, who was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday for forward
Erik Cole, will make $3.5 million this season. The salary jumps to $4 million
for 2009-10 and $4.5 million in the final year of the deal.
Known as a puck-moving defenseman, Pitkanen scored eight goals and had 26
points in 63 games for the Oilers a year ago after coming over in a deal from
the Philadelphia Flyers last July 1.
Anton Babchuk agree to a 1-year, $1 million extension to remain with the Hurricanes, according to the Associated Press. Babchuk skated in the Russian Superliga last season. Anton had a good year in the Russian Superliga, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said. He played well at times with us two seasons ago and now, at 24 years old, it is his time to mature into a consistent NHL defenseman.
Joni Pitkanen has been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward Erik Cole, according to TSN. "Joni is the type of puck-moving, offensive player we hoped to add to our defensive corps," said Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford. "He is a proven NHL player who will join Joe Corvo in strengthening our power play."