Hurricanes Sign Brendan Lemieux to Extension


It's been quite the 24 hours for Carolina Hurricanes gritty fourth-line forward Brendan Lemieux, and he's now topped it off with a new contract extension.  

The 27-year-old has signed a one-year contract for $775,000 for next season, just hours after playing in his 300th NHL game, and, as the Hurricanes' social media post notes, making his mark on the ice by winning a fight. 

Since Lemieux arrived back on the scene in Carolina at the turn of the new year, he's been a fairly constant presence in the lineup, though in very limited minutes, providing the sandpaper on the fourth line, and he even played a season-high 11:20 on Sunday.

Only last week, the Canes were actually forced to place him on waivers for some roster flexibility at the trade deadline, but when no team claimed him, he stayed with Carolina without even being sent back to the minors.

In 25 games total this season, he has three points with a minus-3 rating, and 55 penalty minutes. The 6'1", 215-pounder proved his mettle once again Sunday taking care of Brayden Pachal in pretty short order: 

One. Two. And it was done. 

“Brendan has brought an element of toughness to our lineup,” said Canes GM Don Waddell. He understands his role with our club, and we’re glad to keep him in Raleigh for another season.” 

Lemieux was a second-round pick in 2014 by the Buffalo Sabres, and in the NHL he's suited up for the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers in addition to Carolina. He has 72 points and 539 penalty minutes in his 300 games.

Photo: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports