The Hurricanes have signed the reigning Swedish Hockey League MVP Derek Ryan to a two-way contract.
The 28-year-old forward led the SHL in scoring with 60 points (15g, 45a) in 55 games this past season with Orebro and was named league MVP. A native of Spokane, Washington, Ryan spent four seasons in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs, including two under current Hurricanes coach Bill Peters, totaling 167 points (67g, 100a) in 216, before going on to the University of Alberta, where he put up 146 points (58g, 88a) in 109 games across his four year career. Prior to joining Orebro in 2014-15, Ryan spent three seasons in Austria, racking up 199 points (90g, 109a) in 158 games for Székesfehérvár and Villacher SV.
Given the nature of his two-way contract, there is a chance that Ryan could don a Checkers jersey next season. Should he join Charlotte, he could bring some much needed offense power, as well as more of a veteran presence, despite having not played a professional game in North America yet.
