Carolina’s 2006 fourth-round pick to finish season with Albany

RALEIGH, NC—Jason Karmanos, Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed center Bobby Hughes to a three-year contract. At the NHL level, the deal will pay Hughes $500,000 in the first year, $525,000 in the second year and $550,000 in the third year, while Hughes will earn $62,500 per year at the minor-league level. Hughes, who received a $165,000 signing bonus with the contract, will play the remainder of the 2006-07 season with Carolina’s top minor-league affiliate, the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League.

“Bobby posted strong offensive numbers this past season, and the time is right for him to begin his professional career,” said Karmanos. “The experience he will gain playing with Albany for the remainder of this season should further his development heading toward next season.”

Hughes, 19, scored 40 goals and earned 56 assists (96 points) while playing in 59 of 68 regular-season games for Kingston of the Ontario Hockey League in 2006-07, his fourth season of Canadian major-junior hockey. The Richmond Hill, Ont., native led the Frontenacs and ranked 10th among all OHL skaters in scoring, 15th in assists, tied for 16th in goals and tied for eighth in shorthanded goals. Hughes (5’11”, 180 lbs.) completes his four-year major-junior hockey career having scored 103 goals and earned 150 assists (253 points) in 243 regular-season games, all with Kingston. The Hurricanes drafted Hughes in the fourth round, 123rd overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

The Albany River Rats will play three more regular-season games and remain in contention for a spot in the AHL’s Calder Cup playoffs. For information on Hurricanes ticket packages, please call 1-866-NHL-CANES or visit www.CarolinaHurricanes.com.