The first of many trades expected during the NHL draft has taken place. The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired forward Darcy Hordichuk from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2009.
However, Hordichuk is due to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st and if he does not sign with the Hurricanes, Carolina will receive a fifth-round draft pick in 2010.
The Hurricanes have also signed blueliner Tim Gleason for 4 years at an average of 2.75 million per year.
"We're very happy to get Tim signed long-term," Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said in a statement. "He is a very important player to our team and our defence going forward."
A native of Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Hordichuk scored just three points with 60 PIM in 45 games in 2008. The veteran of six NHL seasons, was originally sixth-round draft pick by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2000.
Gleason, 25, scored three goals and 16 assists in 80 for Carolina last year. The third year veteran was due to become a restriced free agent.