“Chris took another step forward last year and showed that he could contribute offensively at the NHL level,” said Francis.

Terry, 26, established NHL career highs in games played (57), goals (11), assists (9) and points (20) during the 2015-16 season with Carolina. The Brampton, Ont., native led Carolina with a shooting percentage of 15.5 percent and also set a career high in power-play goals with three. Terry played five American Hockey League (AHL) games on a conditioning stint with Charlotte in 2015-16, notching two points (1g, 1a).

Carolina’s fourth selection, 132nd overall, in the fifth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Terry has totaled 23 points (12g, 11a) and 14 penalty minutes in 70 career NHL games. He is the Charlotte Checkers’ all-time leader in games played (299), assists (150) and points (254).