The Hurricanes signed goaltender Cam Ward -- the most valuable player of the team's run to the Stanley Cup last year -- to a three-year contract Thursday.

The Hurricanes took a step toward the future Friday, agreeing to terms with center Jakub Petruzalek on a two-year, two-way contract.

Bret Hedican, defenseman of the Hurricanes, is expected to visit a Colorado specialist this month for an examination on his injured hip that could determine whether he will be back next season.