Hurricanes Re-Sign Joni Pitkanen and Patrick Dwyer

The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that they have signed defenseman Joni Pitkanen to a three-year contract worth $13.5 million and center Patrick Dwyer to a two-year contract worth $1.25 million. Pitkanen's deal will average out to $4.5 million per season, while Dwyer's deal will pay him $600,000 in 2011-12 and $650,000 in 2012-13. Both players would have been unrestricted free agents on July 1. In 72 games last season, Pitkanen had five goals and 30 assists for 35 points, while Dwyer had eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points in 80 games. These are decent signings for the Hurricanes, as both players will bring plenty of depth to the team at their respected positions. Pitkanen provides lots of offensive skill to the team's blueline, as well as some grit, while Dwyer brings lots of versatility and defensive ability to the forward lines.