The Carolina Hurricanes have signed college free agent defenceman Chase Priskie to a two-year contract worth $1.85 million, or $925,000 per season. This contract carries him through the 2020-21 season.
The #Canes and Chase Priskie have agreed to terms!
More Info » https://t.co/YX3JhiQNVs pic.twitter.com/enY1L1YJJz
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) August 17, 2019
Chase Priskie Signs With Carolina
Priskie had 17 goals and 22 assists for 39 points in 36 games last season for Quinnipiac University. The Washington Capitals originally drafted him in the sixth 177th overall of the 2016 NHL Draft. The Pembroke Pines, Fla. native let did not sign his entry-level deal with the Capitals after three years and was an unrestricted free agent. He became an free agent on Thursday.
Over his career, Priskie recorded 39 goals and 77 assists for 116 points in 154 career games with the Bobcats. He was a top 10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2018-19. Priskie got a spot on 2018-19 ECAC Hockey First Team. He made the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team during all four seasons of college.
“Chase was one of the best defensemen in college hockey last season,” said Carolina general manager Don Waddell to the media. “We believe he has a bright future in the NHL, and we’re thrilled that he has chosen to come to Carolina.”
The 23-year-old has the most goals for a defenceman in program history and the second most points.
What This Means for the Future
The Hurricanes quickly replaced highly-touted college defenceman Adam Fox, who signed with the New York Rangers after being traded to them.
Priskie joins a crowded Carolina prospect pool loaded with defencemen. Jake Bean, Roland McKeown and Luke Martin are prospects fighting out for a chance to be on the team. The righthanded-shooting defenceman has exhausted all his collegiate eligibility. He will likely start his pro career with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL. However, he may get a look in the NHL.
Charlotte are the defending Calder Cup champions after beating the Chicago Wolves in five games.
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 19: Chase Priskie #13 of the Quinnipiac University Bobcats skates against the Boston University Terriers during NCAA men’s hockey at Agganis Arena on January 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bobcats won 4-3 on a goal with 2.5 seconds remaining in regulation. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
