Hurricanes sign Caleb Jones to 1-year, $775K contract

The Carolina Hurricanes signed defenseman Caleb Jones to a one-year contract worth $775,000, the team announced Thursday.

Jones tallied four goals and a career-high 16 points in 73 games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 26-year-old played 19:13 per contest, ranking third among Blackhawks blue-liners.

"Caleb is a reliable, two-way defenseman," Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said in a statement. "His NHL experience will help boost our depth on defense."

Chicago didn't tender Jones a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.

He's the younger brother of Blackhawks defenseman Seth and the son of longtime NBA player and current Denver Nuggets assistant coach Popeye.

The Edmonton Oilers drafted Jones in the fourth round in 2015. The Arlington, Texas, native accrued 50 points in 217 games between the Oilers and Blackhawks.

Jones becomes the ninth Hurricanes defenseman signed to a one-way contract. Carolina had $845,583 of cap space prior to the signing, according to CapFriendly.