After reaching a deal with pending unrestricted free agent Derek Ryan earlier today, the Carolina Hurricanes have also inked RFA defensman Trevor Carrick to a one-year, two-way contract. Carrick will earn $670K at the NHL level, and just $77.5K in the AHL.
Carrick, 22, was a fourth-round pick of the Hurricanes in 2012 and has yet to make a real impact at the NHL level. In 57 games this season with Charlotte of the American Hockey League, the former Mississauga Steelheads defenseman scored 16 points. Actually considered more of an offensive threat, Carrick seemed to take a slight step backwards this year and missed time with injuries.
The Hurricanes will hope he can take another step forward and develop into a depth defenseman capable of logging some games in the NHL next season. With the team acquiring Trevor van Riemsdyk after the expansion draft, it is still expected that they move some of their defensive depth to improve at forward.