Hurricanes Sign Goaltender Daniel Manzato

[Thrillhouse]

RALEIGH, NC—Ron Francis, Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development for the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed goaltender Daniel Manzato to a one-year contract. The deal will pay Manzato $522,500 at the NHL level and $75,000 at the minor-league level.

“Daniel had a good season and helped Las Vegas to one of the best regular-season records in the ECHL,” said Francis. “We look forward to him continuing his development next season.”

Manzato, 24, completed his first season of North American professional hockey in 2007-08. The Fribourg, Switzerland, native finished the season tied for fourth in the ECHL in wins with a 24-5-6 record, tied for sixth in the ECHL with a 2.37 goals-against average and sixth in the ECHL with a .921 save percentage, while playing in 35 games with Charlotte and Las Vegas. Manzato (6’0”, 178 lbs.) began the season with the Florida Everblades, but was transferred to Charlotte before playing a game with the Everblades. He posted a 2-0-0 record and a 2.00 goals-against average for Charlotte before being assigned to Las Vegas on Nov. 8, where he helped the Wranglers to a 47-13-12 regular-season record and the Pacific Division title. He was named the RBC Financial Group’s ECHL Saver of the Month for November, and represented the National Conference at the 2008 ECHL All-Star Game.

Following three seasons of major-junior hockey in Canada with Victoriaville of the QMJHL, Manzato played professional hockey in his native Switzerland for three years before making his North American professional debut in 2007-08. The Hurricanes drafted Manzato in the fifth round, 160th overall, of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

[Anthony19]

Was ok in net for the Wranglers. Him and Lalonde were way inconsistent all year. I expect him in the E for a few more years.

[Canes13]

Originally Posted by Anthony19

Was ok in net for the Wranglers. Him and Lalonde were way inconsistent all year. I expect him in the E for a few more years.

Unless something changes before the season, Manzato is expected to be the backup to Justin Peters in Albany, and if re-signed Leighton will receive a 1-way deal and backup Cam Ward in Carolina. Thats the organization's plan anyway... you know how that goes.