The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Valentin Zykov to a two-year, $1.35-million contract, the team announced Friday.

The Willie Marshall Award winner had a breakthrough season with the Canes' AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, leading the league with 33 goals and 21 assists. The 6-foot-1, 224-pound winger also posted a league best in power-play goals and shooting percentage.

"Valentin is a big body who proved he had the ability to finish around the net on the AHL and NHL levels last season," Canes general manager Don Waddell said.

In 10 appearances with the Hurricanes last season, Zykov put up an impressive seven points. The Russian-born forward was acquired by the Hurricanes from the Kings in February 2016.

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