Hurricanes get started on keeping team intact

The Carolina Hurricanes signed Justin Williams to a long-term deal Friday, a move the Stanley Cup champions hope is just the start of a successful free-agent signing season.

The Hurricanes reached agreement with Williams – a key contributor during the run to the title – on a five-year, $17.5 million contract, keeping the 30-goal scorer among the franchise’s core young players.

It was a busy afternoon for the Cup champions, who also announced deals with defensemen Niclas Wallin and Andrew Hutchinson and right wing Craig Adams.

The Hurricanes hope to reach a deal with second-year star Eric Staal over the weekend when the free-agent signing period begins.

The team regards Williams as part of its key offensive group along with Staal, U.S. Olympian Erik Cole and veteran captain Rod Brind’Amour, who already signed a five-year deal.

Around the league

The sale of the St. Louis Blues to a group led by Dave Checketts, the former head of the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden, was completed, and NHL broadcaster John Davidson was named team president. … The Tampa Bay Lightning obtained goalie Marc Denis from the Columbus Blue Jackets for left wing Fredrik Modin and goalie Fredrik Norrena. … The Vancouver Canucks re-signed forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin to three-year contracts. The twin brothers each set career highs for points last season. … The Toronto Maple Leafs bought out the contract of enforcer Tie Domi and declined to pick up the option on goalie Ed Belfour, cutting ties with two of their most popular players. … The Dallas Stars bought out the final year of Bill Guerin’s contract, making their highest-paid player an unrestricted free agent. … Four-time Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings.