The Carolina Hurricanes announced Monday that the team has agreed to terms with defensemen Brett Carson and Bryan Rodney on one-year contracts.

Carson will be paid $522,500 on the NHL level and $50,000 on the AHL level. Rodney will be paid $550,000 on the NHL level and $55,000 on the AHL level.

"Brett and Bryan both made tremendous strides last season," said Jason Karmanos, assistant general manager of the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes. "They will both have a chance to push for a spot on the Hurricanes roster this fall."

Carson, 23, completed his third professional season in 2008-09, splitting the season between Carolina on the NHL level and Albany on the American Hockey League (AHL) level. The Regina, Sask., native played in five games for the Hurricanes, making his NHL debut against the Washington Capitals on Dec. 7, 2008, and averaging 15:43 of ice time per game during his time with Carolina. In the AHL, he ranked second among Albany defensemen in scoring, totaling 35 points (6g, 29a) in 69 games for the River Rats. He was tops among team blueliners in goals (6). Drafted by the Hurricanes in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Carson (6'4", 220 lbs.) has totaled 10 goals, 67 assists (77 points) and 92 penalty minutes in 209 career AHL games with Albany.

Rodney, 25, completed his fourth professional season in 2008-09, making his NHL debut with the Hurricanes on Dec. 11 against Philadelphia. The London, Ont., native skated in eight games for the Hurricanes, notching two assists and averaging 12:37 per game in ice time. He led Albany (AHL) defensemen in points (36) and assists (33) in 2008-09, playing in 58 games on the AHL level. Signed by Carolina as a free agent on May 12, 2008, Rodney has totaled eight goals, 46 assists (54 points) and 50 penalty minutes in 108 career AHL games with Hartford and Albany.

The Hurricanes will play the first game of their 2009 exhibition schedule when they host the Nashville Predators on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. at the RBC Center. Carolina will open its 2009-10 regular season on Oct. 2, when the Philadelphia Flyers visit the RBC Center for a 7 p.m. match-up.

For information on Hurricanes ticket packages, visit http://www.CarolinaHurricanes.com or call 1-866-NHL-CANES.