Poturalski Signs With Carolina, Leaves UNH

CHN Staff Report

RALEIGH, N.C.  New Hampshire sophomore Andrew Poturalski, following a breakout year, has become the first NCAA player since his team's season ended to leave for the pros with eligibility remaining. Poturalski has signed a two-year, entry-level, free agent NHL contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.

New Hampshire's season ended this past weekend with a Game 3 loss to Merrimack in the Hockey East playoffs First Round.

The deal will pay the 5-foot-10 Poturalski $700,000 on the NHL level or $70,000 on the American Hockey League (AHL) level in 2016-17, and $832,500 in the NHL or $70,000 in the minor leagues in 2017-18. He will also receive a signing bonus of $185,000. Poturalski will report to Carolina’s AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2015-16 season.

“Andrew had an outstanding season with New Hampshire and attracted interest from numerous NHL teams, so we are thrilled that he chose Carolina to start his professional career,” Carolina general manager Ron Francis said. “He’s a smart hockey player with really good speed and skill.”

Poturalski, 22, is current second in the NCAA in scoring with 52 points, on 22 goals and 30 assists in 37 games. The Williamsville, N.Y., native concluded his collegiate career with 36 goals and 45 assists (81 points) in 77 career games for the Wildcats.