Hurricanes sign Dustin Tokariski to one-year, two-way contract

The Carolina Hurricanes announced that they have signed veteran goaltender Dustin Tokarski to a one-year, two-way contract.

Tokarski was immediately placed on waivers for purpose of assignment to the American Hockey League (AHL). Tokarski is currently playing for the Chicago Wolves where he has a 1.61 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage.

The deal will pay Tokarski $775,000 on the NHL level or $100,000 in the AHL.

“Dustin has played very well for the Wolves this season,” said general manager Erik Tulsky. “Given the injury to Frederik Andersen, we felt it was important to add to our depth at the goaltending position and this gives us another option with significant NHL experience.”

The veteran goaltender previously appeared in 42 games with the Sabres over the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons. Tokarksi then found himself with the Pittsburgh Penguins before going back to Buffalo for the 2023-24 season.

Tokarski has played in 80 NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Sabres, and Penguins during his career, going 23–34–12 with a .902 save percentage.

Before he turned pro, Tokaski spent time in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Spokane Chiefs. He compiled a record of 77-39-7 in 129 career appearances with a 2.18 goals-against average and .925 save percentage, and backstopping the Chiefs to the 2008 Memorial Cup title.