After re-acquiring winger Erik Cole during last March’s trade deadline Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has ensure Cole will remain a Hurricane.

Rutherford today announced the re-signing of Cole to a two-year, $5.8 million contract worth $2.9 million per season against the Hurricanes’ cap, a slight drop from his previous salary but one he’s willing to accept to remain with the Hurricanes.

Cole spent all but part of last season with the Hurricanes. During his brief over-half season tenure with the Edmonton Oilers last season he seemed lost and out of place, but seemed to regain his form after he returned to the ‘Canes at the deadline.

Still, there has to be some concern about his decline in offensive production since his career-best 61-point season in 2006-07. Last season he managed 42 points split between the Hurricanes and Oilers, although he had 15 points in 17 games upon his return to Carolina at the deadline.

Hurricanes fans will hope that’s a sign the 30-year-old winger can regain his touch.