Noah Hanifin is here to stay.

The Carolina Hurricanes rookie will remain with the team for the balance of the season, head coach Bill Peters announced Thursday.

The 18-year-old defenseman was selected fifth overall by general manager Ron Francis at this year's draft. In eight games, he has recorded two assists and ten shots, and appears set to return to the lineup after recently being afforded a night off to rest and watch the team from the press box.

The Hurricanes will be on the hook for the entire first season of Hanifin's entry-level contract once he appears in his tenth game.