Hurricanes Sign Murley to One-Year Contract

The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that they have signed left wing Matt Murley to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay Murley $500,000 at the NHL level and $100,000 if he plays in the minors during the season. Murley played last season with Phoenix and their AHL affiliate San Antonio. In three games last season with Phoenix, Murley had no goals and one assist. In three NHL seasons, Murley has played in 62 games and scored two goals and added seven assists for nine points and 38 penalty minutes with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes. He signed as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche in 2006, played did not play with the team. Murley's signing is not a very significant one for the Hurricanes given their offensive depth. He will likely play most, if not all, of the 2008-09 season in the minors and could only see NHL action if injuries pile up for the Hurricanes. Still, Murley will provide the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats, with plenty of offensive depth on the wing and some toughness.