The Hurricanes have re-signed defenseman Joni Pitkanen to a three-year contract that will pay him $4.5 million per season, general manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday.
Pitkanen was due to become an unrestricted free agent Friday. He made $4.5 million last year and will remain the Canes' highest-paid defenseman.
"This is an important signing for us," Rutherford said. "Joni plays as many minutes as anyone in the league. It's hard to find players who play as much as he does and he's one of the top puck-moving defensemen in the league. We're really thankful he decided to come back to us."
Pitkanen, 27, led all Hurricanes defenseman in assists (30) and was second among Carolina blueliners in points (35), skating in 72 of the team’s 82 games during the 2010-11 season.
The Oulu, Finland, native ranked 13th in the NHL in average ice time per game (25:01), and the Hurricanes earned points in 26 of the 30 games in which he had a point (21-4-5).
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Bargain?
Thu, 06/30/2011 - 14:39 — CanarseSince when is buying a faulty product a bargain? Pitkanen is often one of the primary causes of losses. He goes to sleep defensively, plays lazy, soft and uninspired most nights. If you like losing, you like Pitkanen. Sure, he has talent, but he is too lazy to use it.
Concentrate on Pitkanen one night at the RBC center. Actually count his giveaways. They are waaayyyy more than what is recorded on the gamesheet. The good GMs in the league are laughing their behinds off.
Good one, JR
Wed, 06/29/2011 - 20:27 — Biff_BeersOf all the UFA's, I think Pitkanen would have been the hardest to replace. So I think this contract is a big win for JR. Given that the Canes drafted Murphy, I bet that JR would have liked a shorter contract, but $4.5M per year for a D-man with Pitkanen's credentials is a big win for the Canes.
As harsh as his critics
Wed, 06/29/2011 - 10:26 — mokimanoAs harsh as his critics seem to be over this signing, it's a bargain on the open market this year! Sit and wait and watch what Ehrhoff, Kaberle and Wisniewski get overpaid come Friday...Joni took no raise from last year's salary, the guy is only 27 and he wants to be here, he plays 22 to 25 minutes a game...all and all this is a good signing, and I'm by no means a Joni fan.
Pitkanen Returning?? JR has lost it!
Wed, 06/29/2011 - 09:12 — ZekeallsweatAfter enduring the past 3 years of Joni Pitkanen's deplorable defensive play, I can't believe that JR would consider resigning him. JR, you were once a goalie. Sit down with your goaltenders, one-on-one, and ask them how often Joni left them hung out to dry! Philly got rid of him, the Oilers were only too happy to part with him. JR, watch some game film. Joni caughs the puck up with regularity. Always caught up ice, leaving his defensive partner stranded. Many of us in western Canada grew up with hockey and watch every Canes game. Pitkanen is simply too weak defensively to play in the NHL. At best he's a lazy forward, attempting playing defence. Lazy? Watch how slowly he gets back in position after rushing the puck. Last man back in the play. Forward, Ryan Bayda could have played far better defence than Joni. Physically, how solid is Joni? JR, did you check with your training staff RE: Joni's knees/back? JR, an unbelievably poor decision. Too bad for the Canes. I had hopes for next season.
Want a far better, younger defenceman? Trade with the Rangers for young Sam Klassen, presently buried in the ECHL with Greenville. This kid can skate like Paul Coffey, and is sound defensively. JR, this kid can play defence. Joni....I still can't believe that experienced hockey men could make that poor a decision.
Zeke
Pitkanen and Coach Lewis
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 23:53 — scomilInteresting, that with the addition of coach Lewis, that Pitkanen re-signs so fast and the forwards are sent packing.
I guess it needs to play out
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 21:16 — sftwareguybut Pitkanen is my least favorite player.. only because his effort/talent ratio is somewhere around .05.
Great
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 20:41 — hockey101Glad to see him sign Joni. Let's just hope Jussi will come back. Also the Pens are not going to resign Tyler Kennedy. Would be a good pick up if the price is right.
Unless JR immediately trades
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 18:40 — ctillUnless JR immediately trades Pitkanen -- which JR has been known to do -- I hope we get good value for the money from Pitkanen over the next three seasons.
I AGREE
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 19:10 — hellfishUntill 7/1 i'm not ruling anything out either ,as there are few high-end Dmen to choose from and there in high demand + the ones remaining will get $paid$.
What's not to like?
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 18:30 — JustListenen307 penalty minutes
What's not to like?
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 18:33 — hellfishWell Bodie was no lady bing candidate either ,someone has to fill that role that can actually play.
FA CENTER
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 17:29 — hellfishWould'nt mind Zenon Konopka as a FA if the NYI don't resign him...grit and face-off's what's not to like...Hope JR resigns Jussi ,adios to Cole and Rosey it looks like ,Dwyer signed so that's a hint that Rosey ain't comin back.
Great news
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 17:27 — imayagainknowantonWith Ehrhoff, Wisniewski, and Kaberle basically the only top-tier puckmovers out there, there are a lot of teams who will miss out on their target and start looking at Plan B. That's where we trade Corvo to one of those teams and sign Hejda or another top 4 defensive D.
If Chad LaRose can be succesfuly lured to another team and we sign a top six forward, that would make the offseason about as good as can be expected.
TOI is taken care of....
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 17:23 — Hockeydad92Now sign somebody to handle defense! 6'4" mobile and mean as hell will work, how about it Jimmy? Dywer can take LaRose's spot, the Juice would be nice and if Cole does not want to spend another winter in Edmonton he should ink up as well. Let's get some of these kids going too, heres to JR making a splash Friday.
Great job Jimmy ...
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 17:05 — gf101112and Joni!!! I salute both of you!!! Joni- time to call "The Juice". Chad and Eric- get your pens clicked!!! Go Caniacs!!! Go Canes!!! Hurry up October!!!