Hurricanes sign center Brandon Sutter

RALEIGH, N.C., July 13 (UPI) -- The Carolina Hurricanes announced Wednesday they have signed center Brandon Sutter to a three-year contract worth $6.2 million.

Sutter, the Hurricanes' first-round pick in the 2007 NHL draft, had his best season in 2010-11, setting career a high in games played (82) while compiling 14 goals and 15 assists.

The 22-year-old has racked up 36 goals, 39 assists and 43 penalty minutes in 204 career NHL games with the Hurricanes.

"Brandon is one of the cornerstones of our franchise moving forward," Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford said. "He is an extremely intelligent player who can perform in all situations, and has already grown into a leadership position for the Hurricanes at a very young age."