Projo Bruins Blog

August 16, 2009 - August 22, 2009 Archives

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- The Carolina Hurricanes have added another veteran skater, agreeing to terms with center Stephane Yelle.

The Hurricanes said Wednesday that the 14-year pro has agreed to a one-year deal worth $550,000.

The 35-year-old had seven goals and 11 assists with Boston, and has won the Stanley Cup twice with Colorado.

General manager Jim Rutherford calls Yelle "a proven winner" who "adds depth and experience to the Hurricanes at the center position."

The Hurricanes previously signed free agent defenseman Aaron Ward from the Bruins and forward Tom Kostopoulos from Montreal.

In an interview today with Kevin Allen of USA Today, Phil Kessel said there has been no progress in his contract talks with the Boston Bruins and questioned whether he will be back in the black and gold this season. The Bruins considered trading the 21-year-old Kessel before this season's NHL Draft.

"It's at a stalemate and I don't know what's going to happen. ...I think it could go either way at this point," Kessel said.

Kessel said he had close to full range of motion in his surgically repaired shoulder, and said he should be ready to play in November.