Canucks sign Ben Hutton to two-year, $5.6 million extension
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Ben Hutton to a two-year, $5.6 million extension.
The 23-year-old is in his second NHL season with Vancouver and has two goals and two assists in 20 games in 2016–17.
Selected 147th overall at the 2012 draft, Hutton was one of the lone bright spots for the Canucks in his rookie season, seemingly coming out of nowhere to make the club out of training camp.
Hutton, who played at the University of Maine, had one goal and added 24 assists in 75 games in 2015–16 to lead all Vancouver defensemen in scoring.
Hutton has struggled at times early this season while looking for chemistry with partner Erik Gudbranson. However, he has played better of late for the Canucks, who have won four of their past seven following a nine-game losing streak.
“Ben is developing into one of our young, emerging core players and is an important part of our future,” Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a statement.
“We're excited to see him further elevate his game and help this team compete for years to come.”