“This will be Zach’s eighth season in our organization,” said Francis. “He’s a reliable depth forward who we know is capable of contributing offensively at either level.”

Boychuk, 25, split the 2014-15 season between the Hurricanes and their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. The Airdrie, Alb., native scored three goals and added three assists (6 points) in 31 games with Carolina. Boychuk (5’10”, 185 lbs.) totaled 24 points (12g, 12a) in 39 AHL games with the Checkers, and became Charlotte’s all-time leading goal scorer with his goal against the Toronto Marlies on Jan. 16.

Carolina’s first-round selection, 14th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Boychuk has appeared in 127 career NHL games with the Hurricanes, Penguins and Predators, totaling 30 points (12g, 18a). He has tallied 287 points (129g, 158a) in 335 career AHL games with Albany and Charlotte, and is the Checkers’ all-time leader in goals (114) and power-play goals (52). He ranks second in Checkers history in assists (136) and points (250). Boychuk won the AHL’s Willie Marshall Award as the league’s top goal scorer in 2013-14 with 36 goals.