Vancouver Canucks Sign Three Players During Free Agency

NHL

Vancouver Canucks Sign Three Players During Free Agency

Yesterday, the Vancouver Canucks signed Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel, and Tim Schaller. The Canucks decided they needed more grit and they went out and got some.

Vancouver Canucks sign Jay Beagle

To start the day, the Canucks signed center Jay Beagle to a four year, with an AAV of $3.0 million. “Jay is a detailed player with championship experience, who can handle a big defensive workload,” said  General Manager Jim Benning. “He’s grown and developed his game with a core group of players and won at every level of pro hockey. We’re excited to add a player with his caliber of character and experience to our team.”  The 32- year-old Beagle just came off a Stanley Cup Championship with Washington. He has 22 points with 7 goals and 15 assists in 79 games last season. Beagle was one of the top face-off men in the league with 58.5% in the regular season. In his ten year career, he has put up 471 points (51 goals and 65 assists) and 471 games all with Washington.

Vancouver Canucks sign Antoine Roussel

The Canucks also signed left winger Antoine Roussel to a four-year contract with an AAV of $3.0 million as well. “Antoine is a competitor with a skill set that benefits our team,” said Benning. “He’s a physical player, hard-to-play-against with the ability to contribute offensively. We’re pleased to welcome Antoine as a member of the Vancouver Canucks.”  The 28-year-old scored 5 goals and 12 assists with the Dallas Stars last season. In 413 NHL games, he scored 64 goals and 77 assists for 141 points all with the Dallas Stars. Interestingly, after being undrafted, Roussel to the Canucks prospect camp in 2011 and played with the AHL Chicago Wolves in the 2011-12 season. He then signed with the Stars as a free agent in 2012.

Vancouver Canucks sign Tim Schaller

To cap it off the Canucks signed center Tim Schaller two a two year deal with an AAV of $1.9 million. “Tim adds size to our forward group and can play throughout our line-up,” said Benning. “He’s responsible defensively and last year showed he can make regular offensive contributions as well. We’re excited to welcome him to the Vancouver Canucks.” Schaller spent the last two seasons with the Boston Bruins. Last season, he scored a career-high 22 points with 12 goals and 10 assists.   The 28-year-old has played 176 NHL games with the Bruins and Buffalo Sabres. He has had 41 points (21 goals and 20 assists) in his career.

To cap the day off, the Canucks also reportedly brought back forward Darren Archibald. The team also resigned forward Sven Baertschi to a 3 year deal with an AAV of $3.0 million.