One piece of the puzzle has been filled for the Carolina Hurricanes to start at the beginning of the summer. Solid defenseman, Jalen Chatfield, has re-signed in Raleigh with reportedly a three-year contract for $9 million—a magnificent first major signing for interim general manager, Eric Tulsky. The value of this deal is outstanding for the organization and shows that Chatfield truly wanted to remain with the team.
The Michigan native has remained on the blue line for Rod Brind'Amour's group over the last two seasons. Finding himself in this system, Chatfield is an emerging star in the position. His solid play in his end has been the stable of his game but the offense looks to be growing with an 8-point jump in points last season.
At just 28 years old, Chatfield has found his game at the right time and is a rare free agent on the uptick unlike teams paying for a great career and a mediocre future. Another reason this was such an important player to bring back and for this price, it is beyond a steal.
There is no doubt in the hockey world that a player like Chatfield would have commanded a much higher and lengthier contract on the open market. This shows the true sign of a team player who knows he is in a good spot and wants to win.
Chatfield is a plus 39 is the last four years and that number continues to grow. His physicality adds to the uniqueness of his game. The former Windsor Spitfires player can truly do everything and play in all situations. He has been a key cog on the penalty kill and surely brings ease to this staff for the next few seasons.
If this is a sign to come for Tulsky, he is also a great steal and asset to a organization that has a busy summer ahead of them.