Babchuk signs 1-year deal to return to Carolina

Jul 1, 2010 - 6:20 PM RALEIGH, N.C.(AP) -- Anton Babchuk is coming back to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The team said Thursday that it had signed the hard-shooting defenseman to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million.

The 26-year-old Babchuk was a key member of the Hurricanes' blue line during their run to the Eastern Conference final in 2009, and four of his 16 goals were game-winners.

The Ukraine native spent last season in Russia, finishing with nine goals and 13 assists for Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.