Carolina liked what it saw from Jake Chelios in AHL Charlotte last year.
So, the ‘Canes are keeping him around.
On Thursday, the club announced that Chelios -- the son of Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios -- has agreed to a one-year, two-way deal worth $575,000 at the NHL level.
“Jake was a steady presence for Charlotte last season in his first full season playing defense,” 'Canes GM Ron Francis said in a release. “He showed that he can contribute offensively and, at 25, he fits in well with our organization’s young defensemen.”
Chelios, 25, has bounced around the professional game since wrapping a four-year career at Michigan State. He’s played in the ECHL (Toledo, Kalamazoo) and spent some time with St. Louis’ AHL affiliate in Chicago before landing in Charlotte.
With the Checkers, Chelios had the greatest success of his career, scoring 31 points in 73 games. He ranked second among team defensemen in assists (24) and points (31), and tied for second among Checkers blueliners in goals , with seven.