The 31-year-old forward scored six points (one goal, five assists) in 20 games with the Ottawa Senators last season. He missed the final 35 games because of a dislocated left shoulder sustained Feb. 23.
"The year I had, and getting hurt, to be in the NHL again, it feels great," Stepan said Monday at Da Beauty League in Edina, Minnesota. "I'm really looking forward to the opportunity in Carolina. I think there are some really good players, and I think that I can bring some value there."
Stepan was traded to the Senators by the Arizona Coyotes on Dec. 26 for a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
"Derek is an experienced two-way center who can play in all situations," Carolina general manager Don Waddell said. "We're thrilled to add another veteran to our lineup."
Selected by the New York Rangers in the second round (No. 51) of the 2008 NHL Draft, Stepan has scored 485 points (168 goals, 317 assists) in 759 regular-season games with the Senators, Coyotes and Rangers, and 54 points (20 goals, 34 assists) in 106 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
The Hurricanes this offseason have acquired goalies Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta, defensemen Ian Cole, Tony DeAngelo and Brendan Smith, and forward Josh Leivo.
"I had a great conversation with (coach) Rod [Brind'Amour]," Stepan said. "I'm excited about the organization itself. I know a lot of the guys, I played with them in New York, me and 'Raants' played together in Arizona, I played with [Jordan] Martinook. I know Jordan [Staal] through Marc Staal. I know the group. I'm really excited. I'm looking at it as a second opportunity maybe. My career is in a weird spot, so for them to have the trust in me, I'm really happy."
Da Beauty League is a no-hit, 4-on-4 summer league made up of NHL players and top amateurs, many with Minnesota ties. Stepan is from Hastings, Minnesota.
NHL.com correspondent Jessi Pierce contributed to this report
