Lee Stempniak to Hurricanes: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Former Boston Bruins winger Lee Stempniak will join the Carolina Hurricanes next season after signing a deal with the Eastern Conference club. 

Per TSN's Bob McKenzie, Stempniak's deal is for two years with an average annual value of $2.5 million. 

Per Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer, Stempniak explained what attracted him to Carolina:

Stempniak, 33, had his best statistical season in years, scoring 19 goals and adding 32 assists, the latter a career high. He played well for the Bruins after being acquired midseason from the New Jersey Devils, notching 10 points in 19 games, though he couldn't help the team reach the postseason.

It was the third season in a row Stempniak was moved at the trade deadline and the ninth team he played for in 11 years.

This is the plight of a player like Stempniak, who is a solid secondary scorer who can chip in his share of goals but will never be a team's primary source of offense. In the right situation, however, Stempniak is a solid top-six forward and an excellent complementary piece.

The Hurricanes will be hoping that Stempniak can be a solid scoring piece and a productive player who upgrades one of their top three lines. Carolina's leading scorer last season was Jeff Skinner, who had just 51 points, and the team finished 27th in goals scored.

His signing won't make headlines, but Stempniak is the type of solid, reliable option that a team in need of depth can depend on to play each night while providing quality production.  

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