Hurricanes agree to terms with Jussi Jokinen on two-year deal

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Carolina Hurricanes are keeping Jussi Jokinen around.

Carolina agreed to a contract with the forward that pays him US$3.4 million over the next two season, the club announced Monday.

"Jussi was a good addition to our team last season, and he really stepped into his role in the playoffs," said general manager Jim Rutherford.

Jokinen ranked second among Hurricanes skaters with seven goals in the post season, and tied for second with 11 points while playing in all 18 of the team's playoff games.

"His ability to contribute on the power play and penalty kill, and his versatility at different forward positions makes him a valuable player," Rutherford added.

Jokinen, 26, is in his fourth NHL season and first with Carolina following a trade from Tampa Bay on Feb. 7, 2009. He scored one goal and earned 10 assists (11 points) in 25 regular-season games with Carolina following the trade.

He has scored 54 goals and earned 118 assists in 306 career regular-season games with Dallas, Tampa Bay and Carolina.