Canucks sign Samuelsson to three-year deal

by Christy on Jul 3, 2009 12:10 PM CDT

The Vancouver Canucks signed former Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson to a three-year deal per TSN. The financial terms of the contract have yet to be released. It was Vancouver's first move in free agency (outside of re-signing the Sedin twins). I'm just thankful that Sammy didn't sign with a Central Division team as that seems to be where all of our former players head. [Update: Samuelsson will make $2.5 million per year, earning a total of $7.5 million in his contract.]

"Obviously that (the money) was the key, I shouldn't lie," Samuelsson said in a telephone conference call Friday after signing a three-year NHL deal with Vancouver.

"They have a good thing going and I think my role can be a little different here."

In Other News: Restricted free agent Ville Leino is close to inking a two-year contract with the Red Wings according to the Detroit Free Press. Detroit's other key RFA, Jiri Hudler, is expected to file for arbitration. The arbitrater could decide on a salary likely anywhere from $2.5 to $4 million. If the salary is too high, expect Detroit to trade him away as they simply can't afford a $4 million salary for a player like Hudler.

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We'll miss him but we'll replace him

Sammy had a good run in Detroit. I wish him the best with his fellow countrymen (aka Sedin twins) As for Hudler’s payday, if Grabovski is stealing 3 mil a year from the Leafs, Hudler should cash in on a lottery soon.

by Bird6 on Jul 3, 2009 12:21 PM CDT reply actions

Happy Hudler?

As stated above if Grabovski can get 3 million Hudler might as well cash in but I hardly see the point. I figure the Wings would have atleast offered the former first round pick atleast 1.5 million. If Hudler gets more than 2.75 I can see him being traded.

by MPerry2008 on Jul 3, 2009 12:33 PM CDT reply actions

Hmm

I thought with Hossa leaving we would sign him. Not worried, I like the guy, but I am not sad to see him go.

by westspec on Jul 3, 2009 2:22 PM CDT reply actions

agree

we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE

by TuLoRocks2008 on Jul 3, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions

i want Hudler back

but yea for $4 mil i don’t think so…

we seem to have gotten over that HURDLE

by TuLoRocks2008 on Jul 3, 2009 3:35 PM CDT reply actions

What do you think the Wings could get for Hudler?

I’m guessing he’d fetch a decent price—maybe a high (i.e. second round) draft pick or a little package of picks, something like that.

by Mike Braun on Jul 3, 2009 4:03 PM CDT reply actions

Expected

The Wings will miss Sammy. I agree with Bird6, he had a good run and will probably fit well the the Sedins. Wish him the best. Leino will turn out to be a great fit in the Wings system with increased minutes. He’s even more talented than Sammy. They need to get Huds under contract at a good number. He’ll get good $ on the market b/ec he’s a guy who’s developed into a solid player player, but $4 m/year is too steep. He can’t forget all the players who have taken less $ to stay with the model organization in the NHL (and all of pro sports). ALthough, having Sammy gone may give him more bargaining leverage. Maybe they can find a relatively cheap winger on the FA market to fill a void.

by WINGSOFVT on Jul 4, 2009 7:57 AM CDT reply actions

Sammy was solid but he was a third line winger benifiting from a great team. he can easily be replaced. as for Huds im not worried. Filly went to Arbitration and they got him under contract. im sure hudler will be back as well.

by FFMorgan on Jul 5, 2009 12:13 AM CDT reply actions