The Canucks continue to shore up their blueline depth on Wednesday.
A day after announcing an eight-year, $58 million extension for Filip Hronek, Vancouver agreed to terms with defenceman Mark Friedman on a one-year contract worth $775,000.
“Mark’s addition to our group last year gave us some much-needed depth and he is someone we can count on if plugged into our lineup,” said general manager Patrick Allvin in a statement.
The 28-year-old, in his seventh NHL season, was a career-high plus-four through 23 games in Vancouver despite recording only one point.
“He is a team-first player and is always ready to step in if called upon,” Allvin continued. “We expect him to come into camp and compete hard for a regular spot this season.”
Through 88 career regular-season games, Friedman has split time between the Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. The 185-pound defenceman has racked up 13 points (four goals, nine assists) along with 70 penalty minutes through his time in the NHL.
Friedman also appeared in six career playoff games with the Penguins, tallying one point (1-0-1) and a plus-three rating.
The Toronto native was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round, 86th overall, in the 2014 NHL Draft.
June 19, 2024
Vancouver Canucks
