VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Vancouver Canucks started their off-season housekeeping early by re-signing forward Steve Bernier to a US$4-million, two-year deal on Thursday.
Bernier, 24, set a career high with 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) in 81 games with the Canucks this season. The Quebec City native added two goals and two assists in 10 playoff games for Vancouver, which was eliminated from the post-season by the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.
“Steve Bernier had a career year with Vancouver and we look forward to him building on a successful first season with the club,” said Mike Gillis. “Steve is a talented young player, who will continue to improve and mature over the course of his career.”
Bernier, who came to the Canucks in an off-season trade last year and was set to become a free agent July 1, will get paid $2 million in each of the upcoming seasons after making $850,000 this season. He has 60 goals and 62 assists in 258 career games with the Canucks, San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres.
