Hurricanes sign Sutter

On Wednesday morning, the Hurricanes signed 2007 first round pick Brandon Sutter to a three year entry-level contract. The contract won't officially begin until next season, and he has been assigned to Albany on a "tryout contract".

The 6'3" 170 pound kid is expected to make the Hurricanes lineup next fall. One of the things they'll work on with him over the summer is weight training and trying to get him to quickly fill out that huge frame.

After the Andrew Ladd experiment in 2004, the Jack Johnson disaster in 2005, and not getting a first round pick in 2006, this is very exciting.

Carolina has been trying for a few weeks to make this happen. Apparently, the stumbling block was the bonus clauses and the signing bonus. This contract has a $262,500 signing bonus. He'll make $787,500 at the NHL level next season.

Sutter had 49 (26/23) points in 59 games this season with the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL.

How Sutter will fit into the lineup next October will be a mystery. If it comes down to a battle for the last roster spot, Sutter is a right handed shot, and that should give him somewhat of an advantage. Carolina is, and has been lacking in right handed shots. Especially at the center position.

Speaking of right hand shots, Patrick Eaves will be undergoing shoulder surgery, and will be out for at least the remainder of the regular season. This means that Chad "Sharpie" LaRose will be rushed back into the lineup. He broke his leg February 5, and only returned to practice this week. He had one full contact practice and is feeling fine.

If anybody is concerned about Chad, they shouldn't be. He's tougher than Chuck Norris. LaRose is a crowd favorite and a sparkplug for the team on the ice and on the bench. It's great to hear that he's back in the lineup.