Hurricanes Sign Scott Morrow.

Today, the Carolina Hurricanes announced the signing of defenseman Scott Morrow to a rookie deal. In the 2021 NHL Draft, Morrow was selected 40th overall in the second round.

The blueliner might have been a free agent had he signed in August after an outstanding collegiate career. That’s a clear sign that he wishes to be in Carolina.

Below is a copy of the Hurricanes’ news release:

“AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY – April 2, 2024

“CANES WILL SIGN AN ENTRY-LEVEL CONTRACT MORROW”

In August, the defenseman was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agency.

RALEIGH, North Carolina — The Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League have signed defenseman Scott Morrow to a three-year entry-level contract, according to a statement made today by team president and general manager Don Waddell. In 2023–2024, Morrow will receive $807,500 from the NHL; in 2024–2025 and 2025–2026, he will receive $832,500. In addition to a $277,500 signing bonus, he will receive $80,000 at the American Hockey League (AHL) level for each of the three seasons.

According to Waddell, Scott is a dynamic defenseman with an offensive mindset who routinely ranks among the best blueliners in college hockey. “We are eager to watch him take the next steps in his development as he has demonstrated the motivation and commitment to graduate in three years.”

Morrow, 21, registered 30 points (6g, 24a) in 37 collegiate games with UMass this season, ranking third in scoring among Hockey East defensemen and earning conference Third-Team All-Star honors. He led all Minutemen skaters in assists and points, including a team-high 16 points (2g, 14a) in 24 conference games. The 6’2”, 195-pound defenseman has tallied 94 points (28g, 66a) in 109 games over three seasons at UMass, including a career-high 33 points (13g, 20a) in 37 games as a freshman in 2021-22. Morrow led all Hockey East blueliners in goals and points as a freshman, earning selection to the conference’s First All-Star Team and becoming the first freshman in program history to receive First-Team All-American honors. He also recorded 31 points (9g, 22a) in 35 games as a sophomore in 2022-23 and was named a Hockey East Second-Team All-Star, and he is the first defenseman to reach the 30-point mark in three different seasons at UMass. Morrow also tallied one assist in two USHL games with Youngstown in 2019-20 and played six USHL playoff games with Fargo in 2020-21. He played three seasons of prep hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary’s from 2018-21, posting 167 points (45g, 122a) in 129 games. The Darien, Conn., native was selected by the Hurricanes in the second round, 40th overall, of the 2021 NHL Draft.

The Hurricanes host the Boston Bruins at PNC Arena at 7 p.m. on Thursday.”