Ex-Lightning Goalie Signs With New Team

Former Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Dustin Tokarski has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.

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Tokarski, 35, was playing on an American Hockey League (AHL) deal with the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. However, now that he has signed an NHL contract with the Hurricanes, it opens the door for him to be called up to Carolina's roster. Players on AHL deals are not permitted to be recalled to the NHL, so getting this NHL contract is big news for Tokarski.

Seeing the Hurricanes sign Tokarski to an NHL deal is understandable. Both Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov are sidelined with injuries, while third-string goalie Spencer Martin has struggled. By signing Tokarski to this NHL contract, the Hurricanes have another goalie to work with.

Tokarski was selected 122nd overall by the Lightning at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. The Humboldt, Saskatchewan native appeared in seven games with the Lightning, where he had a 1-3-1 record, a .871 save percentage (SV%), and a 3.54 goals-against average (GAA).

In 80 career NHL games over nine seasons split between the Lightning, Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, and Pittsburgh Penguins, Tokarski has a 23-34-12 record, a .902 SV%, and a 3.15 GAA.

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