RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes opened preseason camp by filling their hole on the blue line.
General manager Jim Rutherford said Thursday that free-agent defenseman Ron Hainsey has agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract.
The Hurricanes are counting on Hainsey to help replace injured defenseman Joni Pitkanen. He’s out for the season with a broken heel that has been slow to heal.
Rutherford says Hainsey “was patient as we waited for updated information about (Pitkanen’s) injury” and says the team wanted to “solidify our defense with a player of this caliber.”
This marks the 10th NHL season for Hainsey, who had 13 assists in 47 games with Winnipeg last year.
