July 23, 2012 8:37 AM
Drayson Bowman’s career season at the NHL level has earned him a new contract with the Hurricanes.
Continuing a string of signings that has seen it lock up Chris Terry and Jerome Samson in recent weeks, Carolina announced a new deal for the restricted free agent on Monday morning. Bowman agreed to a two-year contract that becomes a one-way deal in its second season.
Bowman, 23, played a personal-best 37 games in the NHL last season, setting career highs in goals (6), assists (7) and points (13). He also played 42 games for the Checkers, scoring 13 goals, including six on the power play. During his three-year, entry-level deal with Carolina, he scored a total of 88 points (42, 46a) in 149 AHL games with Albany and Charlotte.
The Hurricanes’ third-round pick in 2007, Bowman (with the exception of goalie Justin Peters) is the first of this summer’s re-signings to earn a one-way deal for any year of his new contract. He would still be eligible to play in the AHL during that season, but he would earn his full NHL salary at that time, which often serves as a deterrent for teams who would otherwise contemplate such a move.
Like many of the Checkers’ returning players, Bowman, due to his age and experience, would need to pass through waivers in order to join Charlotte regardless of his contract.
Bowman’s signing leaves only one restricted free agent left on the Hurricanes list – forward Zach Boychuk. Boychuk, the team’s first-round pick in 2008, led the Checkers with 21 goals last season.
A complete rundown of the organization’s summer moves can be found here. |
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