— The Carolina Hurricanes agreed to a two-year contract extension Wednesday with right wing Chad LaRose, according to Jim Rutherford, team president and general manager. The deal will pay LaRose $1.5 million in 2011-12, and $1.9 million in 2012-13.

Rutherford called LaRose, 29, one of his favorite players and praised his work ethic and locker room leadership.

"It is my hope that he is a life-long player with the organization,” Rutherford said.

LaRose will join Adam and Joe on 99.9FM The Fan ESPN Radio at 5 p.m. to talk about being back with the Canes.

LaRose was sixth among Hurricanes with 16 goals in 2010-11, and matched his career-high for points in a season with 31. The Fraser, MI, native was fourth on the team in hits (196), and skated in a career-high 82 games.

LaRose played his youth hockey in the Compuware system before advancing to the NHL. He was signed by the Hurricanes as an undrafted free agent.