Canucks sign Vey to one-year contract

VANCOUVER – After giving up a second-round draft pick for his rights last month, the Vancouver Canucks have signed restricted-free-agent forward Linden Vey to a one-year contract.

Vey, acquired at the draft from the Los Angeles Kings for the 50th pick the Canucks got for defenceman Jason Garrison, should be the No. 3 centre next season.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Canucks general manager Jim Benning said he knew plenty about Vey from his time living in Boston while the 22-year-old played for the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs. Vey also played for new coach Willie Desjardins with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers.

“There’s a familiarity with Linden,” Benning said at the draft in Philadelphia. “He’s a puck-possession guy, he’s strong, he’s a good two-way player, he plays a 200-foot game. He’s ready to play in the NHL now.”

Vey only has 18 games of NHL experience due in part to the Stanley Cup-champion Kings’ depth of young forwards. Benning said he’ll get more opportunity in Vancouver.