The Canes have signed free-agent forward Dan LaCouture to a one-year contract.
The deal will pay LaCouture $475,000 on the NHL level or $50,000 on the American Hockey League level, with a guarantee of at least $75,000 during the 2008-09 season.
LaCouture, 31, has played in 326 career NHL games with Edmonton, Pittsburgh, the New York Rangers, Boston and New Jersey, totaling 18 goals and 25 assists and 338 penalty minutes.
LaCouture, who played in a Swiss league last season, came to training camp for a tryout. He said he tried to keep thoughts of a securing a contract out of his mind.
"I didn't want to get discombobulated," he said. "I just came to the rink and concentrated on what I had to do on the ice to earn a spot on this team. Just try to prove I can play in the NHL."
Ron Francis, assistant general manager and director of player development, noted LaCouture came to camp in "great physical condition" and earned a contract.
"He is an experienced, veteran player with good speed and size and is capable of contributing on the NHL level," Francis said.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Looks like Albany will be
Mon, 10/06/2008 - 20:04 — CaniacG4 (not verified)Looks like Albany will be the team to beat in the AHL with all the talent we are sending their way
Sorry DTP...
Mon, 10/06/2008 - 15:35 — esteban1949I don't agree with ya...but to each his own...and seeing Ronnie and JR are happy...I guess some of us should be too...Gee as it stands...will there be any room for him on the rats ? as he is a wee bit too old for them aint he ? They just finished up triming their roster...sigh...and here i thought i had a tough job...whoa baby...
Go Canes, Rats & Chiefs !!!
Great news! Dan looked like
Mon, 10/06/2008 - 14:57 — dropthepuck (not verified)Great news! Dan looked like a veteran during the pre-season and I look forward to seeing more from him. Keep up the energy and the drive, Dan, and welcome to Caniac Country!