“Justin provides our organization with good depth at forward,” said Francis. “He led Charlotte in scoring last season and has improved his offensive production each year since turning pro.”

Shugg, 23, led the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate Charlotte Checkers last season in goals (21) and points (43), and tied his AHL career best with 22 assists in 65 regular-season games. The Niagara Falls, Ont., native made his NHL debut with Carolina on Dec. 16 at Montreal, and played in three Hurricanes games in 2014-15. Shugg (5’11”, 185 lbs.) has notched 49 goals and earned 66 assists (115 points) in 212 AHL regular-season games with Charlotte in since turning professional in 2011-12. Carolina drafted Shugg in the fourth round, 105th overall, in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.