Defenseman Danny Markov came to the Hurricanes in a draft day trade this past June. > Markov Bio
	> Audio from Press Conference Canes GM Jim Rutherford Low (400K) | High (2.98M)

RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 12, 2003) – Jim Rutherford, President / General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Danny Markov on a three-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not announced.

“The signing of Danny improves our team at a very important position,” said Rutherford. “His ability and determination will make our defense more difficult to play against.”

The Hurricanes acquired Markov (6’ 1”, 190 lbs.) and a conditional fourth-round draft pick from Phoenix on June 21 in exchange for defensemen David Tanabe and Igor Knyazev. Markov, 26, completed his sixth NHL season in 2002-03 posting four goals and 16 assists (20 points) in 64 regular-season games with Phoenix. In 336 career NHL regular-season games, the Moscow native has 19 goals, 82 assists (101 points), 240 penalty minutes and a plus-19 plus/minus rating. He recorded career highs in goals (6), assists (30), points (36) and games played (72) in 2001-02, his first season with the Coyotes. The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Markov in the ninth round, 223rd overall, in 1995.

The Hurricanes open their seventh season in North Carolina on Oct. 9 at Florida, before returning to the RBC Center for their home opener, Saturday, Oct. 11 against defending Stanley Cup champion New Jersey. Ticket packages for the 2003-04 season are available by calling 1-888-NHL-TIX1.