Former RPI standout Matt Murley signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Carolina Hurricanes today, bringing him back to the organization where he played one season in 2006-07.

Murley, 28, was one of the key components on the River Rats team that ended an AHL-record six-year Calder Cup playoff drought in 2007, then signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Coyotes last summer. He played three NHL games for Phoenix, picking up an assist, and went 21-41-62 in 76 AHL games for San Antonio.

Should he wind up with back with Albany, Carolina's top minor-league affiliate, Murley would provide a major boost to a team that, on paper, may struggle to score goals this season. Though his play away from the puck has dramatically improved the last few seasons, his strength lies in his offensive instincts. He is dangerous anytime he steps on the ice, even-strength, short-handed or on the power play. Great move by the Canes.

Here is the Carolina press release, in its entirety:

RALEIGH, NC - Ron Francis, Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development for the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed left wing Matt Murley to a one-year contract. The deal will pay Murley $500,000 on the National Hockey League level or $100,000 on the American Hockey League (AHL) level during the 2008-09 season, with a minimum guaranteed total salary of $125,000.

“Matt has had a lot of success in the American Hockey League and comes with NHL experience,” said Francis. “He is a strong depth forward who is capable of contributing on the NHL level, or providing leadership and production in the AHL.”

Murley, 28, split the 2007-08 season between Phoenix and the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate in San Antonio. He had one assist in three games on the NHL level, and led all Rampage skaters in assists (41) and points (62) in 76 AHL games. The Troy, NY, native also had four points (2g, 2a) in seven Calder Cup playoff games with San Antonio.

Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round (51st overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Murley has totaled two goals and seven assists (9 points) and 38 penalty minutes in 62 career NHL games with the Penguins and Coyotes. In 353 AHL games, he has scored 92 goals and earned 160 assists (252 points) while tallying 230 penalty minutes. Prior to turning professional, Murley spent four seasons with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (R.P.I.) of the ECACHL, totaling 175 points (74g, 101a) in 137 games to graduate as the 11th leading scorer in RPI history. He served as R.P.I.’s team captain during his senior season and was selected as the team’s MVP after leading the ECACHL in goals (24) and ranking second in assists (22) for the season.

Murley played for Albany during the 2006-07 season while under contract with the Colorado Avalanche; he scored 55 points (23 goals, 32 assists) in 61 games played for the River Rats and added six points (1 goal, 5 assists) in Albany’s five Calder Cup playoff games that year.