The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Thursday that they have reached an agreement with veteran net‑minder Zach Sawchenko, locking him into a one‑year, two‑way contract that could see him earn up to $850,000 in the NHL or $150,000 in the AHL, with a guaranteed minimum of $190,000.
A Two‑Way Deal with Guarantees
The deal blends financial security with flexibility, reflecting the Hurricanes’ intent to bolster depth in goal while maintaining a cap‑friendly approach.
Sawchenko, a 28‑year‑old native of Calgary, spent the 2025‑26 campaign with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, posting a 14‑10‑3 record, a 3.05 goals‑against average and a .880 save percentage.
His AHL performance follows a stint with the San Jose Sharks, where he appeared in seven NHL games, compiling a 1‑2‑1 record, a 3.35 goals‑against average and a .905 save percentage.
Across the minors, Sawchenko has built a career AHL record of 56‑57‑15 with a 3.08 goals‑against average and a .895 save percentage in 135 appearances for San Jose, Abbotsford, Chicago and Cleveland.
Prior to turning professional, the Calgary product excelled at the University of Alberta, going 28‑4‑1 with a 1.74 goals‑against average and five shutouts in 34 games, before a four‑year run in the WHL with Moose Jaw that yielded 88 wins, 65 losses and 16 overtime defeats.
General Manager Eric Tulsky said the organization is excited to see how Sawchenko’s experience and steady development will provide a reliable option behind starter Alex Nedeljkovic, especially during injury stretches or when the roster requires a fresh spark.