Carolina Hurricanes Sign Patrick O'Sullivan to One-Year Deal

Jim Rutherford, president and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced today that the team has signed free agent Patrick O'Sullivan to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will see him earn $600,000 in the NHL or $105,000 in the American Hockey League (AHL).

O'Sullivan notched 11 and 23 assists for 34 points in 73 games last year for the Oilers, ranking fifth on the team in scoring and assists. He was also first on the team with three game-winning goals, and succeeded on four of 11 shootout attempts (36.4 percent).

In 280 career NHL games, he has posted 54 goals and 95 assists for 149 points with the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers.

O'Sullivan, 25 years old, has also posted impressive numbers in the AHL, netting 47 goals and 93 points in his rookie year as part of the Houston Aeros. In 119 career AHL games, the 5'11", 190-pound centre registered 65 goals and 67 assists for 132 points.

It was rumoured that the Hurricanes originally pursued O'Sullivan at the 2010 NHL trade deadline, but the deal structured for him fell through.

Though originally born in Toronto, Ontario, O'Sullivan grew up in Winston-Salem, NC, and played hockey in the Tar Heel State. O'Sullivan was drafted in the second round, 56th overall, by the Minnesota Wild in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Rutherford had this to say about the signing:

"Patrick had a little but of an off year with Edmonton last season, but is still young and very skilled. He scored 20 goals just a few seasons ago, and has the ability to reach that mark again. Patrick will be in competition for a spot on our NHL Roster during training camp."

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