The Hurricanes started free agency by locking up their big trade acquisition for the long haul and bringing back a familiar face. They might not be done there.

Carolina agreed to a 10-year contract extension with center Jordan Staal, brought defenseman Joe Corvo, who played with the Bruins last season, back for a third stint with the team, and acknowledged it made offers to the two biggest prizes in the free agent pool — forward Zach Parise and defenseman Ryan Suter.

Then, speaking Sunday evening, general manager Jim Rutherford said he expects Parise to sign elsewhere and said he would turn his attention toward trading for a forward. He said he didn’t expect any updates from Suter’s camp until Monday.

‘‘All I can say is that we’re in the trade market and we’re active,’’ Rutherford said.

The Hurricanes also re-signed goalie Justin Peters and forward Brett Sutter to two-way deals.

But the biggest news of the day was the long-term signing of Staal. He will make $6 million per year under the deal, which begins with the 2013-14 season. He is due to make $4.5 million this season.

Penner inks deal

Forward Dustin Penner agreed to a one-year, $3.25 million contract to remain with the Kings, who have retained every significant player from last season’s run to their first NHL championship . . . The Maple Leafs signed forward Jay McClement, a penalty-killing specialist, to a $3 million, two-year deal . . . The Sharks signed physical forward Adam Burish to a four-year, $7.4 million contract. Burish has 25 goals and 29 assists with 490 penalty minutes in 297 career games . . . The Avalanche signed forward P.A. Parenteau, who collected a career-high 67 points last season with the Islanders, to a four-year deal . . . Goaltender Scott Clemmensen signed a two-year extension with the Panthers. The former Boston College standout was 14-6-6 with the Southeast Division champs. Florida also signed defenseman Filip Kuba and enforcer George Parros, a right wing. The Panthers also announced one-year, two-way contracts with center Greg Rallo and goaltender Dov Grumet-Morris, a former Harvard star . . . The Blackhawks agreed to a two-year deal with defenseman Sheldon Brookbank, 31, who had a career-high three goals and 11 assists with the Ducks last season . . . The Islanders signed winger Brad Boyes and defenseman Matt Carkner. Boyes received a one-year deal, while Carkner, a physical defender, signed a three-year pact . . . Defenseman Jason Garrison, who collected 33 points with the Panthers last season, signed a six-year deal with the Canucks . . . The Sabres went big, signing 6-foot-8-inch, 270-pound defenseman John Scott . . . The Lightning signed 37-year-old defenseman Sami Salo to a two-year contract . . . The Blue Jackets dealt one of their top defenseman, Marc Methot, to the Senators for restricted free agent winger Nick Foligno. The club also locked up defenseman Adrian Aucoin, who came aboard for a one-year deal worth $2 million plus bonuses, in addition to goalie Curtis McElhinney . . . The Red Wings agreed to a two-year contract with backup goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, formerly of the Maple Leafs .