Hurricanes sign Tomas Kaberle to 3-year deal

July 05, 2011|AP Sports Writer

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed free-agent defenseman Tomas Kaberle to a three-year, $12.75 million contract.

The Hurricanes announced the signing Tuesday, shortly after they traded defenseman Joe Corvo to Boston for a draft pick.

The 33-year-old Kaberle was dealt from Toronto to Boston at the trading deadline and helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup. His brother, Frantisek, was a member of the Hurricanes’ 2006 Cup-winning team.

Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford called Kaberle “one of the top puck-moving defensemen in the NHL.’’ Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said the team talked with Kaberle’s agent but they couldn’t reach an agreement.

“We seized the opportunity,’’ Chiarelli said. “We do wish Tomas well. He provided us with something we greatly needed in the Stanley Cup drive and he’s got a good contract with a good team now.’’

Kaberle had a combined four goals and 43 assists with the Maple Leafs and Bruins during the regular season, and had another 11 assists during the playoffs. He joins Joni Pitkanen as Carolina defensemen making at least $4 million this season.

Chiarelli said the Bruins felt strongly about pursuing Corvo, who became available when the Hurricanes signed former Kaberle. Corvo had 11 goals with 29 assists last season.

“This came as a surprise to me and a very pleasant surprise,’’ Corvo said. “I’m happy to come to a team that is coming off an outstanding season and hasn’t made many changes at all.’’

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