Carolina Hurricanes Bringing Back Veteran Forward

The Carolina Hurricanes are trying to create some internal competition for training camp as the team has agreed to bring back veteran forward Derek Stepan on a professional tryout agreement.

The 32-year-old was an unrestricted free agent this summer, however had yet to sign on with another team. Stepan spent last season as a member of the Hurricanes, appearing in 58 games, recording 19 points.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed F Derek Stepan to a professional tryout (PTO) #LetsGoCaneshttps://t.co/S1XmmqYJ5U

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) August 16, 2022

 James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Stepan has appeared in 817 career NHL games, accumulating 177 goals, 327 assists for 504 points. The grizzled vet also has played in 109 Stanley Cup Playoff games and should expect to see some more of the postseason should he make the Hurricanes roster. With Max Pacioretty out for at least six months, Stepan should be given every chance to make Carolina in a bottom six role.

Derek Stepan couldn't find anything better out there than a PTO? That's shocking. Anyway, welcome back Step.

— Conor Power (@Conor_J_Power) August 16, 2022

Derek Stepan is miles better than Jordan Martinook.. if there’s a slot on the 4th line, 48 needs to sit in favor of Step. However, one is fleecing the Canes for 1.8 million this season, and the other just got a tryout… 😂😂😂 #LetsGoCanes

— Allan (@UuusAho) August 16, 2022

If Derek Stepan doesn't make the Canes I hope he's able to find a spot elsewhere. Dude is still a productive NHL player and deserves a roster spot and consistent playing time with someone

— Andrew Schnittker (@aschnitt53) August 16, 2022

Photo credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports