North Raleigh Today

The Carolina Hurricanes have announced the signing of defenseman Joel Nystrom to a two-year, entry-level contract. According to Don Waddell, President and General Manager of the team, Nystrom will earn $832,500 at the NHL level and $80,000 at the American Hockey League (AHL) level for both seasons. The contract also includes a signing bonus of $185,000.

"Joel is a right-shot defenseman with offensive upside," stated Waddell. "He has continued to improve year over year in the SHL, and we’re thrilled for him to take the next steps in his development."

Nystrom, aged 21, scored 26 points (8 goals and 18 assists) in 51 games during the 2023-24 season with Farjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Among SHL defensemen, he ranked fifth in goals and ninth in points during the regular season. Throughout his career with Farjestad BK from 2020-24, Nystrom accumulated 59 points (19 goals and 40 assists) over 170 regular-season games and added nine points (2 goals and 7 assists) across 36 playoff contests. Additionally, he played in 18 Champions Hockey League games for Farjestad BK, achieving a total of 13 points (3 goals and 10 assists). A native of Karlstad, Sweden, Nystrom was drafted by the Hurricanes as their seventh-round pick (219th overall) in the NHL Draft of 2021.