“We appreciate everything that Jiri did for our team and our community during his time in Carolina, and wish him the best in Winnipeg,” said Francis.

The conditional 2015 draft pick will be in the fifth round if Winnipeg qualifies for the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs or the sixth round if they do not.

Tlutsy, 26, spent parts of six seasons with Carolina, totaling 76 goals and 69 assists (145 points) in 322 games with the Hurricanes. He established career-highs in goals (23) and points (38) during the shortened 2012-13 season.