Tue Jul 1 12:47:18 2008

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Hurricanes acquire D Pitkanen

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Raleigh, NC (Sports Network) - The Carolina Hurricanes made another move to reshape their defense Tuesday, acquiring Joni Pitkanen from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for forward Erik Cole.

Pitkanen scored eight goals and had 26 points in 63 games for the Oilers a year ago after coming over in a deal from the Philadelphia Flyers last July 1.

"Joni is the type of puck-moving, offensive player we hoped to add to our defensive corps," said Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford. "He is a proven NHL player who will join Joe Corvo in strengthening our power play."

The 24-year-old Finn has hit the net 33 times with 142 points over 269 games with the Flyers and Oilers in four NHL seasons. The offensive-minded backliner posted career highs in goals (13) and points (46) with Philly in 2005-06, but fell out of favor quickly. Carolina will be his third stop in three seasons.

Cole departs Carolina after a 22-goal, 51-point campaign in 73 games in 2007-08. In a six-year pro tenure, all with the Hurricanes, the 29-year-old has racked up 129 goals and 280 points in 418 contests.

Cole registered a career-best 30 goals in an injury-shortened season two years ago, but recovered in time to help the 'Canes capture the Stanley Cup.