“Victor has gotten better every season that he’s been a part of our organization,” said Francis. “He is a big part of this team’s present and future, and we are thrilled to sign him to a longer-term deal.”

Rask, 23, established a career high and ranked second among Hurricanes skaters with 48 points (21g, 27a) in 80 games played during the 2015-16 season. The Leksand, Sweden, native ranked second on the team in assists (27) and third in goals (21). Rask (6’2”, 200 lbs.) led the Hurricanes in power-play points (18) and was second in power-play assists (13). He was fourth among Carolina forwards in ice time per game (16:58).

Carolina’s second-round selection (42nd overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Rask has totaled 81 points (32a, 49a) in 160 career NHL games with the Hurricanes. He appeared in 86 American Hockey League (AHL) games with Charlotte prior to making the jump to the NHL, registering 44 points (17g, 27a) for the Checkers. Prior to turning professional, Rask spent two seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen, notching 104 points (47g, 57a) in 101 career games. He has represented Sweden in a dozen international tournaments, including the 2012 and 2013 World Junior Championships, winning gold in 2012 and silver in 2013.