Hurricanes sign NCAA standout Poturalski to 2-year contract

The Carolina Hurricanes continue to galvanize their prospect pool.

The club agreed to a two-year entry-level contract with forward Andrew Poturalski, the team announced Tuesday.

Poturalski is enjoying an excellent sophomore season at the University of New Hampshire, where he ranks second in NCAA scoring with 22 goals and 52 points in 37 games.

"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," general manager Ron Francis said in a release. "He’s a smart hockey player with really good speed and skill."

The deal will pay the 22-year-old $700,000 at the NHL level or $70,000 in the American Hockey League next season and $832,500 in the NHL or $70,000 in the minors during the 2017-18 season, along with a $185,000 signing bonus.

Poturalski will report to the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, where he'll finish the season on an amateur tryout.