“Jake was a steady presence for Charlotte last season in his first full season playing defense,” said Francis. “He showed that he can contribute offensively and, at 25, he fits in well with our organization’s young defensemen.”

Chelios, 25, led the Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, in games played in 2015-16, skating in 73 of the team’s 76 games. He ranked second among team defensemen in assists (24) and points (31), and tied for second among Checkers blueliners in goals (7). In 118 career AHL regular-season games, Chelios has scored eight goals and earned 39 assists (47 points) with Charlotte and the Chicago Wolves.

The 2015-16 season marked the second full professional campaign for Chelios (6’2”, 185 lbs.) after splitting 2014-15 between the Toledo Walleye (ECHL) and Chicago (AHL). Prior to turning professional, the Chicago native played four seasons at Michigan State University, earning 54 points (17g, 37a) in 154 career games with the Spartans, including 21 points (2g, 19a) to lead team defensemen in his senior season. Chelios is the son of Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman and current Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Chris Chelios.