RALEIGH, NC—Carolina Hurricanes vice president and assistant general manager Jason Karmanos announced today that the team has agreed to terms with right wing Jerome Samson on a two-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay Samson $500,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the minor-league level in the first year, and $525,000/$105,000 in the second year.
 
Samson, 22, led the Albany River Rats in 2009-10 and ranked tied for second among all American Hockey League (AHL) skaters with 37 goals in 74 games. He also led Albany and tied for fourth among all AHL skaters with 78 points. The Greenfield Park, Quebec native was named to the AHL’s first All-Star team at the conclusion of the season, and was named AHL Player of the Month for March.

Samson made his NHL debut with Carolina on Jan. 7 at Nashville and earned an assist during his first shift. In seven games with the Hurricanes, the 6-foot, 195-pound winger recorded two assists.
 
In 2008-09, Samson tied for the Albany scoring lead with 54 points in 70 games, while his 22 goals ranked third on the team. Prior to turning professional, Samson played three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with Val D’Or and Moncton, where he helped the Wildcats to the Memorial Cup Final.

Hurricanes release
Samson player profile

Season tickets for the Checkers’ inaugural 2010-11 AHL season are now on sale and 40-game packages start as low as $200. Ticket information can be obtained by calling 704-342-4-ICE or visiting www.gocheckers.com/AHL.