Defenseman Michal Jordan, who served as the Checkers' captain last season, has inked a one-year, one-way contract with the Hurricanes.
After being selected by Carolina in the fourth round of the 2008 draft, Jordan spent his first four pro seasons in Charlotte, save for one five-game NHL stint in 2012-13. This past season, however, Jordan was called upon by Carolina and spent the majority of his season with the Hurricanes, appearing in 38 games and recording 6 points (2g, 4a).
That stint, which saw him integrate himself more and more consistently into the lineup, has earned Jordan a one-way deal, meaning he would make the same amount of money whether he is in the NHL or AHL. That traditionally is an indicator that Jordan will be spending his entire season in Carolina, as there is little incentive to send a one-way player to the AHL over a two-way contract, where they get paid a lesser amount in the AHL.
With the signing, it would appear that we have seen the last of Jordan in Charlotte, meaning 2015-16 could be the first season in the franchise's AHL history that Jordan won't be in the lineup. It also means the Checkers will be naming a new captain, their third in the last three years.
Aside from his strong NHL stint, Jordan also opened eyes with his performance at this year's World Championship, where he played a key role on the Czech Republic team.
"Michal took great strides last season, and continued that progress when he represented his home country as it hosted the World Championship,” said Carolina GM Ron Francis in a release. “He’s still a young defenseman, and we expect him to continue to improve going forward.”
The 24-year-old has appeared in 297 games in a Checkers sweater, putting him second all-time, while his 92 points (20g, 72a) make Jordan the highest scoring blue liner in the franchise's history. He is also one of just five players to appear in each of the Checkers' five AHL seasons.