The Vancouver Canucks have signed promising blueliner to two-year deal
The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Akito Hirose to a new two-year contract. The deal will see the 24-year-old earn $775K and $800K at the National Hockey League level. It is a two-way contract in year one and a one-way deal in the second year.
Hirose impressed in seven NHL games for the Canucks late last season after signing with the team following three seasons at Minnesota State University -Mankato.
In those seven big league games, Hirose averaged 17:28 of ice time and registered three assists. He was repeatedly lauded by the club's coaching staff for his poise and positioning.
Interestingly, however, the eye test and the underlying numbers in his short NHL sample tell two totally different stories about Hirose.
The Calgary native is one of 15 defensemen taking part in Canucks summer development camp which got underway Sunday at UBC. The 6'0" & 170-pounder will likely find himself in a battle with Christian Wolanin, Jack Rathbone, Guillaume Brisebois and recently signed veteran Matt Irwin for one of the depth spots on the left side of the Canucks defense at training camp.
"Akito was a welcome addition to our group at the end of last season and we're excited to have him back with the organization for two more years," said Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin in a statement. "He had a strong finish to his college career and then held his own playing seven NHL games against some top-end talent. We look forward to having our staff work closely with him beginning this week at Development Camp."
Prior to his college career, Hirose spent four seasons with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BC Hockey League.