Canucks re-sign Juulsen to two-year deal

Depth defender avoids free agency by re-upping with hockey club

The Vancouver Canucks have come to terms with Noah Juulsen hours before the depth defender was set to become a National Hockey League free agent.

Juulsen has agreed to a two-year, two-way deal worth $775 thousand per season in the NHL and $450 thousand in the minors.

The 26-year-old played 12 games for the big league Canucks last season after spending most of the year with team's AHL affiliate in his hometown of Abbotsford. Juulsen was one of 16 defensemen to suit up for the NHL Canucks last season. He averaged 14:58 of ice time in his big league appearances and finished the season with 43 hits and 16 blocked shots.

"We are happy to have Noah back with our hockey club," said Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin in a press release. "He showed last season that he can step up and compete for a spot at the NHL level and also was a key leader and contributor in Abbotsford both on and off the ice."

A 2015 first round selection of the Montreal Canadiens, Juulsen has logged 68 career NHL games scoring a pair of goals and adding eight assists.

Depending on what the Canucks are able to accomplish in free agency starting Saturday, Juulsen stands a solid chance of making the Canucks opening night roster. Failing that, he will be expected to resume a key leadership role on the farm.