By The Associated Press

Published: Sunday, July 1, 2012, 12:37 p.m.
Updated: Monday, July 2, 2012

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes have signed new center Jordan Staal to a 10-year contract extension.

The Hurricanes marked the start of the free agency period Sunday by announcing a long-term deal for the star player they acquired from Pittsburgh in a draft-day trade just over a week ago.

Staal will make $6 million per year under the deal, which begins with the 2013-14 season. He is due to make $4.5 million this season.

Staal has said he turned down a 10-year deal two weeks ago to stay in Pittsburgh, and that decision precipitated the trade to Carolina in exchange for center Brandon Sutter, defensive prospect Brian Dumoulin and the No. 8 pick in the draft.

General manager Jim Rutherford says Staal - the younger brother of team captain Eric Staal - "represents a cornerstone of our franchise for the long term."

The 23-year-old Staal had career highs with 25 assists and 50 points last season with the Penguins. He was coveted by the Hurricanes, who wanted to add a top-shelf forward to play alongside the older Staal.

Both Staals are natural centers, but coach Kirk Muller said earlier this week that he would experiment during preseason camp with having both of them on the ice at the same time.

1. NHL commissioner Bettman talks Crosby, Olympics, outdoor games
2. Penguins insider: Golden opportunity arrives with Game 5
3. Senators' Alfredsson clarifies comments made after Game 4
4. Pens will unveil even bigger TV screen for fans in Game 5
5. Penguins notebook: Bylsma likes response to adversity
6. Kovacevic: Crosby proves to be the smartest man in hockey
7. Senators on cusp of ouster against Penguins
8. Neal, Iginla get back on track to lead Penguins
9. Penguins notebook: Morrow sits; Bylsma changes lineup
10. Senators notebook: Anderson will remain in goal
11. Penguins blow late lead, fall to Senators in 2OT

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.