Sami signs on

Hurricanes ink Kapanen to one-year, $3 million deal

Sami Kapanen faded down the stretch last season after getting off to a quick start. Dave Sandford/ Getty Images/NHLI

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed Sami Kapanen to a one-year deal, avoiding arbitration with the All-Star forward.

A league source told CNNSI.com that Kapanen will earn $3 million for the 2002-03 season, after playing for $2.5 million last year.

"We're pleased to settle Sami's contract today and avoid arbitration," Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford said. "Sami has been a key part of our team for the past few seasons and we expect him to continue his contributions this season."

Kapanen, 29, had career highs in goals (27), assists (42) and points (69) last season and ranked second on the team in each category. He was third in the NHL in power play points with 32.

His production fell off during the team's run to the Stanley Cup finals, when he had just nine points in 23 games.

Kapanen played in his third Olympics for his native Finland, registering a goal and two assists in four games. He also appeared in his second NHL All-Star Game in 2002, recording a goal and an assist for the World Team. He also won the NHL's fastest skater contest for the second time.

Kapanen enters his eighth NHL season ranking seventh in Hurricanes franchise history in assists (191), eighth in points (330) and ninth in goals (139).

 

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