RALEIGH, N.C. - The Carolina Hurricanes have signed new center Jordan Staal to a 10-year contract extension.
The Hurricanes marked the start of the free agency period Sunday by announcing a long-term deal for the star player they acquired from Pittsburgh in a draft-day trade just over a week ago.
Staal will make $6 million per year under the deal, which begins with the 2013-14 season.
General manager Jim Rutherford says Staal -- the younger brother of team captain Eric Staal -- "represents a cornerstone of our franchise for the long term."
The 23-year-old Staal had career highs with 25 assists and 50 points last season with the Penguins.
AP/WFMY News 2 Sports