The Carolina Hurricanes are set on bringing back another member of the Charlotte Checkers, re-signing Andrew Poturalski to a one-year two-way contract. Poturalski will earn $700K at the NHL level, and be eligible for Group VI unrestricted free agency next summer should he spend much time in the minor leagues this season. GM Don Waddell released a statement explaining the signing:
Andrew has shown skill and durability during his time in Charlotte. He has continued to improve his game each season and we hope he can take another step forward next year.
After already re-signing Trevor Carrick and Patrick Brown, the new Carolina front office seems determined to bring back the core of their AHL squad. Poturalski finished with 49 points this season, his second excellent season since leaving the University of New Hampshire to sign a professional contract. Undrafted, the former USHL standout has two NHL games to his name and remains valuable depth for the Hurricanes.
Carolina has plenty of restricted free agents to deal with on the NHL roster this summer, but seems content knocking off minor league deals for the time being. As rumors swirl around their big names like Jeff Skinner, Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin, Waddell and his staff are preparing for big changes in the NHL by securing the future of the Checkers.