“Riley gives the Hurricanes good depth at center,” said Francis. “He now has two full NHL seasons under his belt and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow as a player.”

Nash, 26, played in 68 games with the Hurricanes in 2014-15, posting NHL career highs in assists (17) and points (25) during his second full NHL season. The Consort, Alb., native has scored 22 goals and earned 37 assists (59 points) in 178 career NHL games with the Hurricanes since making his NHL debut during the 2011-12 season. The Hurricanes originally acquired Nash (6’1”, 200 lbs.) via trade from Edmonton on June 26, 2010.