Derek Ryan Re-Signs with Hurricanes on 1-Year Contract

The Carolina Hurricanes announced Monday morning that center Derek Ryan has agreed to a one-year, $1.425 million contract, which will keep him with the club for a third season.

"Derek proved he belonged in the NHL last season," Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis said in a statement. "He brings skill and versatility to our lineup and sets an example for our younger players with his character and determination off the ice."

Ryan, 30, had 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 2016-17. It was his first full season with the Hurricanes after spending more than a decade in the minors and playing overseas.

Ryan was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for "perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey" at the 2017 NHL Awards. The award went to Ottawa Senators goaltender Craig Anderson.

"I feel a little out of place," Ryan said of being at the NHL Awards, per Lisa Dillman of NHL.com. "A couple of years ago, I was battling my way through the European leagues, and all of a sudden here I am at the NHL Awards and just kind of taking it all in."

Ryan will likely continue to serve as Carolina's third-line center. He averaged nearly 15 minutes of ice time per game, so that's a reasonable expectation of what to look for next season.