Canucks Ink Mikael Samuelsson to Three-Year Contract

The Vancouver Canucks announced yesterday that the club has signed free agent forward Mikael Samuelsson to a three-year contract worth $7.5 million. Samuelsson, 32, spent the past four seasons with the Detroit Red Wings primarily in a third line role and due to cap constraints; the Wings had offered a significantly lower salary of $1.2 million. In a conference call, Samuelsson said he chose Vancouver over Detroit for money reasons and the opportunity to play in the top-six for the Canucks. He expects both more offensive and defensive opportunities on the team. Canucks' assistant general manager envisions Samuelsson being the right-hand shot on the power play for the Sedins and possibly even playing the point. But obviously the decision is up to Canucks coach Alain Vigneault. But don't get too excited about Samuelsson being the next Anson Carter. Remember last summer? The Canucks traded for and signed restricted free agent forward Steve Bernier and he was hailed as the next Anson Carter. The ... (link)