Josef Vasicek Signs

RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) - The Carolina Hurricanes on
Wednesday agreed to terms with restricted free agent center
Josef Vasicek.

Terms were not disclosed.

Vasicek, who turns 23 next week, was a disappointment last
season as he tallied 10 goals and 10 assists in 57 games.
He also missed 25 games with a back injury.

"This is the final piece in place to prepare for training
camp without distractions," general manager Jim Rutherford
said. "We feel a healthy Joe will be a better player
with more production."

In three seasons with the Hurricanes, Vasicek has collected
32 goals and 40 assists. In 2001, the Czech native had
career highs of 14 goals and 17 assists in 78 games.