Centre Derek Ryan has signed a one-year, $1.45 million contract to remain with the Carolina Hurricanes for the 2017-2018 season.
Derek Ryan Re-Signs with the Carolina Hurricanes
The 30-year-old native of Spokane, Washington has played a total 73 NHL games in two seasons with Carolina. Last year, Ryan set career highs in games played with 67 and points with 29. Ryan even added 11 goals, including three game-winners, one of which came in his first multi-goal game against the LA Kings last December. He also contributed four power play goals and eight assists on the man advantage for the Hurricane’s last season.
At last week’s NHL award ceremony, Ryan was recognized as a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The award is given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Ryan was signed by the Hurricanes in June 2015 and made his NHL debut on March 1st, 2016, against the New Jersey Devils. During the second period of that game, Ryan rifled home his first career goal to tie the game. He would go on to play five more games during the 2015-2016 season, recording two goals in six games.
Prior to breaking into the NHL during the 2015-2016 season, Ryan spent a number of seasons playing professional hockey in Austria and Sweden. In his final season in Europe, Ryan laced up for Orebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League. He was named the SHL MVP after recording 60 points in 55 games.
Ryan also spent time playing for his hometown team in the WHL under his current coach, Bill Peters. After signing with the Hurricanes in June 2015, Ryan would start the next season with the Charlotte Checkers, the Hurricanes AHL affiliate. Here he would amass an impressive 23 goals and 55 points before making the full-time jump to the NHL.
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