“Joakim took a major step forward in his career last season,” said Francis. “We expect him to continue to grow as both a player and a leader on our team.”

Nordstrom, 24, established NHL career highs in games played (71), goals (10), assists (14) and points (24) during the 2015-16 season with the Hurricanes. The Stockholm native was acquired by Carolina from Chicago on Sept. 11, 2015, along with Kris Versteeg and a third-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, in exchange for Dennis Robertson, Jake Massie and a fifth-round pick in 2017. Nordstrom ranked fourth among Hurricanes skaters in plus/minus (+1) in 2015-16, and was a key member of the team’s penalty kill, which ranked sixth in the league.

Chicago’s third-round selection (90th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Nordstrom (6’1”, 189 lbs.) has totaled 30 points (11g, 19a) and 18 penalty minutes in 125 career regular-season games with Chicago and Carolina. He has appeared in 10 playoff games, and was a part of the Blackhawks’ 2015 Stanley Cup championship team.