Carolina Hurricanes re-sign defenseman Jamie McBain for two seasons

The 'Canes announced on Monday that they have re-signed restricted free agent Jamie McBain to a two-year extension. The deal will pay $1.7 million in 2012-13 and then $1.9 million in the second season of the deal, for a cap hit of $1.8 million.

By Brian Stubits

May 21, 2012 at 2:28 pm ET • 1 min read

McBain had only four PIM in 76 games this season. (Getty Images)

The Carolina Hurricanes are putting together the makings of a nice defensive corps for years to come. The second part of that equation is keeping those guys around. They're doing that, too.

That is a pretty nice-looking deal if you're Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford. The 24-year-old McBain, from Edina, Minn., had eight goals and 19 assists to lead the 'Canes defensemen in points. And another bonus is that McBain will only be 26 when the contract is up. It's hard to know what exactly that will mean with the CBA being renegotiated this summer, but at the least his next contract will come just before his prime age.

"Jamie is still a very young player who has established himself as an NHL defenseman," Rutherford said. "He moves the puck well and has shown that he can contribute offensively, especially on the power play."

As I said, they are quietly putting together a pretty nice defensive corps in Carolina. At least a foundation. Along with McBain there is Justin Faulk, the rookie who had a very strong season and broke out at the World Championships for Team USA. Then there is Joni Pitkanen who they just inked long-term and Tim Gleason, who they also re-signed after not trading him at the deadline.

The Hurricanes also re-signed defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti on Monday.

Of course, potential success assumes the younger players continue to develop. And there's no reason to believe they won't. McBain has had two solid seasons in a row for the 'Canes, putting up 30 points two years ago.

I think it's pretty tough not to like it but I'll put it to you ... good deal?

We also would have enjoyed it if the Hurricanes would have given their announcement some visual aides to properly complememt the signing of a McBain...