Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Canucks Make Small Additions

On Tuesday, the Vancouver Canucks added forward Ryan Johnson to the stable by signing him to a 2-year deal, worth $2.4 million. Another addition to the forward ranks was Darcy Hordichuk, who also signed a 2-year deal, with no financial terms released. They also re-signed back-up goalie, Curtis Sanford, to a 1-year deal, no financial terms disclosed. On Wednesday, they re-added defenseman, Nolan Baumgartner, back to the organization.

Johnson, 32, known more as a defensive specialist, scored 5 goals and added 13 assists in 79 games with the St. Louis Blues last season. His keen speed and forechecking will be a welcome addition to the Canucks line-up on the fourth line.

Hordichuk, 27, is more of an enforcer, which the Canucks had troubles keeping up and around last season. He picked up 60 penalty minutes in 45 games with the Predators last season, not to mention his 3 points (1G, 2A).

Sanford, 28, managed 9 pool points in limited action for the Canucks last season and his production likely won't change while Roberto Luongo is still healthy.

Baumgartner, 32, last played in the NHL with the Flyers & Stars in 2007 before staying in the minors for the bulk of time since being a Canuck in 2006. Baumgartner will likely be seen as a good candidate to replace a player that has gone down with injury, as he will likely spend most of his time in Winnipeg with the Manitoba Moose, the Canucks' AHL affiliate.

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