The Carolina Hurricanes have taken the first step in locking up forward Victor Rask.

The club has reached out to Rask's agent regarding a contract and are now awaiting a response, general manager Ron Francis told Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News and Observer.

Rask is coming off his second season with the club where he finished second on the team with 21 goals and tied for second with 48 points in 80 games. He will become a restricted free agent if not signed before July 1.

Francis also noted the 23-year-old underwent shoulder surgery at the end of the season, and according to Francis, "The surgery went really well and he'll be ready for training camp."