The Carolina Hurricanes announced today that the team has signed defenseman Jake Gardiner to a four-year deal. The contract carries a $4.05M cap hit, identical to the AAV of his previous contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Gardiner, 29, spent parts of the last eight seasons with the Maple Leafs. He's a highly capable offensive defenseman who's prone to bad turnovers but serves as an excellent late-summer addition to the Hurricanes' defense group. The move likely solidifies Carolina's six defenseman to start the year, unless another move is made before the start of the season.
A full analysis of the signing will be out tomorrow.