The Hurricanes have tied down one of their free agent forwards, inking Patrick Brown to a one-year, two-way contract.
Brown, a restricted free agent who was issued a qualifying offer yesterday, enjoyed a breakout sophomore year for the Checkers in 2015-16. The 6-foot-1 forward exploded for 25 points, more than doubling his rookie season output, and tied for fourth on the club with 13 goals, up from two the year before. He also served as one of the team’s alternate captains.
Undrafted out of Boston College, Brown has spent time in the NHL during his young career as well, appearing in 14 games with the Hurricanes. The 24-year-old earned his first NHL goal at the end of last season as part of a two-point effort against the New York Rangers on March 31.
Back on a two-way deal, Brown will push to make the Hurricanes out of training camp (something he did in 2014-15 as a rookie). Should he not, Brown could boost the Checkers with his physical style of play and blooming scoring touch.
