RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes defense corps is becoming a crowded place, as the team agreed to a two-year deal with Trevor Van Riemsdyk on Thursday.  The contract will pay him $2.1 million in the first season, and $2.5 million in the second.  The pact will keep the sides from going to salary arbitration.

“Trevor was a steady presence on our blue line last season,” Hurricanes President and GM Don Waddell said in a statement. “He’s shown progression each year of his NHL career, and is a well-liked player in our locker room.”

Van Riemsdyk was a restricted free agent, and Waddell had said recently that the team was doing what they could to get a contract in place.

The Middletown, NJ native enjoyed a solid debut season for Carolina in 2017-18.  He led all Hurricanes skaters in plus/minus (+9), while blocking 113 shots, placing him second among the Hurricanes defensemen.  He also established a new career huigh in assists with 13, and tied his career high with 16 points.

Carolina has bolstered their defense this off-season, acquiring Dougie Hamilton from the Calgary Flames in a trade, and signing free agent Calvin DeHaan to a four-year contract earlier this week.