Hurricanes sign goalie Zach Sawchenko

The Carolina Hurricanes have strengthened their goaltending depth by signing Zach Sawchenko to a one-year contract, as announced on Saturday. His contract is a two-way deal, with a league-minimum salary of $850,000 in the NHL and an AHL salary of $150,000.

Sawchenko, who was previously with the Columbus Blue Jackets, will become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of this contract next summer. During his time in the AHL, Sawchenko had a challenging season last year, posting a .880 save percentage in 29 games, although he did perform better in the playoffs with a .914 save percentage.

The Hurricanes are looking to solidify their goaltending situation, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming season, aiming for a tandem lineup that may include Cayden Primeau in the AHL alongside Sawchenko, while Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov are expected to hold the fort in Raleigh.

This signing marks the Hurricanes' first move of free agency, breaking their offseason silence following a quiet summer after winning the Stanley Cup.