Thursday, August 18, 2005

Dan's the Man in Vancouver

According to a radio report in Vancouver, the Canucks are set to sign restricted free agent goaltender Dan Cloutier to a two-year, $5-million contract.
The 29 year-old has improved steadily in Vancouver, posting a better goals against average and better save percentage in each of his three full seasons. However, he's come under fire for his playoff performance, most notably stemming from the 2002 postseason when he surrendered a long-distance goal to Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom in Game Three of a series that the Canucks led 2-0 before eventually losing.
Nonis is confident, however, that Cloutier is ready to take the next step in his development.
"Dan has grown as a person and a player in Vancouver and is now at an age when NHL goaltenders traditionally reach the prime of their careers," said Canucks GM Dave Nonis. "He’s had some wonderful seasons for us and has become a big part of this community. We look forward for another excellent year from Dan."

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