The Canes have signed forward Chris Durno to a one-year, two-way contract. The veteran served as captain of the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL last season.
The deal will pay Durno $525,000 on the NHL level or $105,000 on the AHL level, with a guarantee of at least $140,000 for the season.
Ron Francis, director of hockey operations, noted Durno is a "big, strong guy that will provide more depth up front. He has good hands and will bring leadership and veteran experience to our organization."
Durno, 30, had 19 goals, 17 assists (36 points) and 120 penalty minutes in 73 AHL games in 2010-11 with the Admirals. The Scarborough, Ont., native has played 42 career NHL games, all with Colorado, totaling four goals, four assists (8 points) and 47 penalty minutes.
Durno set NHL career highs in games played (41), goals (4), assists (4), points (8) and penalty minutes (47) with the Avalanche in 2009-10, also making his Stanley Cup playoff debut against San Jose in the Western Conference Semifinals.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at