The Carolina Hurricanes announced the signing of two defensemen from the Malmö Redhawks of the SHL on Sunday: 31-year-old Joakim Ryan and 18-year-old Dominik Badinka.
Ryan is a dual U.S. and Swedish citizen who was born in the United States but represented Sweden internationally at youth levels. He was originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2012 and played 168 NHL regular-season and playoff games for the Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Hurricanes, recording 25 points. He has played the past three seasons for Malmö, where he’s recorded 65 points in 161 games.
His contract is a one-year, two-way deal that will pay him $775,000 US in the NHL and $110,000 US in the AHL.
“We are glad to have Joakim back in Carolina after his time here in 2020-21,” said Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky. “His veteran leadership and experience at the highest levels will be a great asset to our organization.”
Badinka is Czech but has played the past two seasons abroad – first for Jokerit in Finland and then last season in Malmö. In 33 SHL games, Badinka had a goal, three assists and six penalty minutes. Carolina drafted him this year in the second round, 34th overall.
His entry-level contract is for three years and will pay him $775,000 US in the NHL and $85,000 US, although it’s expected he’ll be loaned back to Malmö for the 2024-25 season. The deal also includes signing bonuses worth $282,150 US.
“Dominik is a puck-moving defenseman with good length and mobility,” said Hurricanes assistant GM Darren Yorke. “He played very well as an 18-year-old against tough competition in Sweden last season, and we’re excited for him to take the next steps in his development.”