Rob The Hockey Guy

The Vancouver Canucks have signed Whiterock, BC native Jason Garrison to a six year, $27.6 million dollar contract. The contract carries a cap hit of $4.6 million per season, a figure that according to some is a lot less than he could have gotten. It’s believed he took less to play closer to home.

Entering the league as an undrafted 23 year old, Garrison has spent his entire four year professional career with the Florida Panthers. He’s also coming off of an impressive season where he was third in goals amongst defensemen with 16. Known for his size and powerful shot, Garrison will be a welcome addition to the Canucks power play after losing Sami Salo to the Tampa Bay Lightning during the firs day of free agency.

Salo, 37, signed a two year, $7.5 million dollar contract with the Lightning yesterday. Originally acquired by the Canucks from the Ottawa Senators in 2002-2003, Salo was the third longest serving Canuck behind Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Known for his powerful shot and laundry list full of injuries, Salo will be missed in Vancouver. Earlier today Salo released a statement through the Tampa Bay Lightning expressing his gratitude toward the Vancouver faithful for the support over the years.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Canucks ownership, management and coaches for the opportunity to have been a part of such a wonderful organization. I would like to thank my teammates for the friendship, hard-fought battles, and all of their support over the years.

Most importantly, I would like to thank the fans in Vancouver for their support. I was not always a perfect player, but I always gave my best and I appreciate the way the fans treated me. It is an honor and a privilege to have been able to call myself a Vancouver Canuck and I wish everyone associated with the organization the best of the luck,” Salo said in his statement. “Thank you.”

The Canucks also re-signed forwards Andrew Ebbett and Steve Pinizzotto to two-way deals. Ebbett played in 18 games last season for Vancouver scoring 5 goals and 1 assist. Pinizzotto missed the entire season and all five playoff games due to a shoulder injury suffered in October.

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