“Derek is a high-character, veteran player who has contributed offensively at every level he has played,” said Francis. “He was a leader for Charlotte last season and played well when called up to the Hurricanes.”

Ryan, 29, made his NHL debut and netted his first NHL goal with the Hurricanes last season on March 1 at New Jersey. In all, the Spokane, WA, native played in six NHL games with Carolina, notching two goals. Ryan (5’10”, 170 lbs.) led the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, with 23 goals and 55 points in 2015-16, and ranked second on the team with 32 assists in 70 games played.

Prior to joining the Hurricanes organization, Ryan spent 2014-15 with Orebro of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), totaling 60 points (15g, 45a) in 55 games, en route to earning SHL Forward of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors. Ryan played four seasons of junior hockey with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the final two of which were under current Hurricanes Head Coach Bill Peters. He also played four years of Canadian collegiate hockey with the University of Alberta before beginning his professional career in Austria in 2011. Carolina originally signed Ryan as a free agent on June 15, 2015.