Canucks Land Hamhuis, Malholtra

Defenseman Dan Hamhuis was one of the big prizes on this year's free agent market, so much so that his rights were traded twice in the weeks leading to today. In the end, the Vancouver Canucks were the big winners, signing the 27-year old to a six-year contract worth $4.5 million per season.

Before that deal was actually finalized, there were a slew of teams trying to pry him away from the Canucks. But he chose to head to Vancouver regardless of what other teams were piling on.

The addition of Hamhuis creates a bit of a logjam at defense, where the Canucks already had seven players, including the newly acquired Keith Ballard. But Kevin Bieska or Christian Ehrhoff could go on the trade block, which would clear some cap space and completely justify Hamhuis' signing.

He will provide Vancouver a solid defensive presence with the ability to play a ton of minutes and protect his zone. He won't put up a lot of points, but a 25-to-30 points is always a possibility for him.

The Canucks also landed forward Manny Malholtra, who last played for the San Jose Sharks. Coming off a 14-goal, 33-point campaign, Malholtra will see a raise from the measly $700,000 earned last season to a whopping $2.5 million in each of the next three seasons. He has done a fair share of moving in his time - starting with the Rangers and making stops through Dallas and Columbus. But he has grown his game in each location and the 30-year old is now a pretty solid asset in the NHL. He might not be worth $2.5 million, necessarily. But he's earned his payday and should add some good depth the Canucks' roster as a checking line forward.