RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- The Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday re-signed restricted free agent Sami Kapanen, avoiding arbitration with the right wing.
With an arbitration hearing slated to take place Wednesday, the Hurricanes agreed to a one-year contract with Kapanen, who posted career highs with 27 goals, 42 assists and 69 points last season.
Kapanen represented his native Finland in the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, notching a goal and two assists in four contests. The long season took its toll on Kapanen as the 5-10 forward netted just one goal and eight assists in 23 playoff games on Carolina's run to a berth in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Selected in the fourth round of the 1995 draft, Kapanen has 139 goals and 330 points in 477 NHL games. The Finn has added four goals and 12 assists in 34 career postseason contests.
