The Carolina Hurricanes have signed free agent forward Alexander Semin to a one-year, $7 million contract.
Semin scored 21 goals and 33 assists in 77 games with the Capitals in 2011-12. He had signed a one-year deal with the Capitals prior to last season worth $6.7 million.
"We have done a lot of research about Alexander, and discussions about his fit with our team have included people at many different levels of our organization, including players, coaches and staff," said Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford in a team statement. "What's been clear throughout this process was his commitment to wanting to play in the NHL, and compete against the world's best players.
"Alexander's elite skill level and ability to score from the wing fill an important need on the ice, and we hope that a fresh start in Carolina will serve both Alexander and our team well."
His 2011-12 goal total was the lowest he's registered in six seasons since the 2004-05 NHL lockout, despite matching a career-high in games played. Originally selected 13th overall by the Washington Capitals at the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Semin has scored 197 goals and 211 assists in 469 career games.
Semin has also represented Russia at six IIHF World Championships, winning two gold medals (2008 and 2012), one silver and one bronze. He also played for his country at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
