Tlusty

RALEIGH, NC – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed forward Jiri Tlusty to a two-year contract. The deal will pay Tlusty $1.5 million in 2012-13, and $1.7 million in 2013-14.

“Jiri had a very good season and showed that he can contribute as a top-end NHL forward,” said Rutherford. “He should continue to be an important part of the Hurricanes coming off of his career year.”

Tlusty, 24, posted career highs in games played (79), goals (17), assists (19) and points (36) in 2011-12, ranking fourth on the team in points, tied for fourth in assists and fifth in goals. The Slany, Czech Republic, native ranked tied for second among all Carolina skaters with 15 even-strength goals, and the Hurricanes earned points in 15 of the 17 games in which he earned an assist. Tlusty (6’0”, 209 lbs.) played his 200th NHL game on Jan. 23 against Winnipeg, and has scored 34 goals and earned 40 assists (74 points) in 229 career NHL games with Carolina and Toronto. The Maple Leafs drafted Tlusty in the first round, 13th overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, and he was acquired by Carolina via trade on Dec. 3, 2009.