Hurricanes agree to contract with Stastny

*Photo from Game On Hockey*

   One thing that has always been a necessity in hockey is depth down the middle. The Carolina Hurricanes and C Paul Stastny have agreed to a one year, $1.5 million deal, according to an announcement on Tuesday by the Hurricanes.

   Upon signing in Carolina, Stastny said "I'm excited to join the squad, excited to get going. I've always respected, the last couple of years for sure, the way they play. Every team's good on paper, but then to show consistencies and some different work ethics and kind of the challenges different teams bring upon you."

   Stastny made $3.75 million last season with the Winnipeg Jets. He gets a drop in his newest contract, making $1.5 million this year. He has $500,000 available in performance bonuses, which triggers if the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup. He'll become a UFA once again at the end of the season.

   In his career, Stastny has spent 16 seasons in the NHL, with a few different teams. He was selected in the second round of the 2005 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, and debuted for them in 2006-2007. He was there for 8 years before stopping in St. Louis, Vegas, and Winnipeg twice.

   Stastny talked about the Hurricanes recent success, saying "Carolina was always one of those teams like, these guys play good, they play the same style where all four lines come at you hard and aggressive. They play that smart, two-way game, and they've been close. We were always kind of interested in them, and then to make it work was something I'm very excited about."

   Last season, Stastny was on his second stint, in his second season, with the Jets. He ended the regular season by tallying 21 goals and 24 assists, posting a +14 plus/minus rating in 17:47 of ice time in 71 games for the Jets last season, who missed the playoffs.

   Across 16 seasons with 4 teams, Stastny has 284 goals and 516 assists to his name. He has a +50 plus/minus rating across 18:53 of ice time, playing in 1,072 regular season games. Stastny has an additional 26 goals and 43 assists in 103 career playoff games.

   The signing of Stastny gives the Hurricanes reliable veteran center depth. Stastny joins Max Pacioretty, Dylan Coghlan, and Brent Burns as key additions this offseason by the Hurricanes.