Hurricanes Agree to Terms with David Tanabe

[Thrillhouse]

RALEIGH, NC – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager for the 2006 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman David Tanabe to a one-year contract worth $900,000.

“The addition of David strengthens our defense,” said Rutherford. “His skating and style of play fit well with our team’s up-tempo system and the way the NHL game is played today.”

Tanabe, 26, finished the 2005-06 season with the Boston Bruins following a mid-season trade from Phoenix. In 54 regular-season games with the Bruins following the trade, the White Bear Lake, Minn., native scored four goals and added 12 assists (16 points) while accumulating 48 penalty minutes and an even plus/minus rating. He finished the season with four goals and 16 assists (20 points) in 75 games with Phoenix and Boston while averaging 20:24 of ice time per game.

The Hurricanes selected Tanabe (6’1”, 212 lbs.) in the first round, 16th overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Following one season at the University of Wisconsin, Tanabe began his professional career, splitting the 1999-2000 season between Carolina and its top minor-league affiliate. In 371 NHL regular-season games, he has scored 24 goals, added 70 assists (94 points) and totaled 193 penalty minutes in six seasons.

[BGDDYKWL]

I know it had been mentioned that he might end up in Carolina, but it's still surprising to me that they'd sign another dman. I believe that gives them 9 under contract.

[canuck2]

I called him an overrated figure skater when they traded him to boston. I guess Boston found that out for themselves.

This guy is soft as butter and is closer to a figure skater then hockey player.

[Bear]

I'm guessing this signing is an indication that Frank Kaberle is gonna have to have surgery on his shoulder and that Bret Hedican's hip problems are pretty bad as well. Tanabe might not be a bad fit under coach Laviolette's system and could potentially put up some points from the blue line. He does need to improve his attitude though.

[Isles4life]

I don't think it's THAT bad of a signing. Carolina has lost a few key players this offseason. A little added depth on the blueline can't hurt.