Alexander Semin signs one-year deal with Carolina worth US$7 million

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes signed sniper Alexander Semin to a US$7-million, one-year deal Thursday.

Semin had 21 goals and 33 assists with the Washington Capitals last season.

The 28-year-old forward also had two goals and three assists in three games during Russia’s gold-medal campaign at the IIHF World Hockey Championship.

“I’m very happy to be a Carolina Hurricane,” said Semin in a statement. “It’s a great fit for me. I look forward to playing with great players, and putting together a winning season.”

Semin became part of a potent Capitals offence after being drafted 13th overall in 2002. The six-foot-two, 209-pound left winger has 197 goals, 211 assists and 450 penalty minutes in 469 career regular-season games.

He’s also one of 18 players to have averaged 30 goals or more per year over the last six seasons.

Semin’s plus-92 rating over the last four seasons also ranks fifth among all players.

Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said he hoped Semin would fit into a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2008-09.

“Alexander’s elite skill level and ability to score from the wing fill an important need on the ice, and we hope that a fresh start in Carolina will serve both Alexander and our team well,” said Rutherford.