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Vancouver Canucks sign defenceman Mark Friedman to a one-year contract worth $775K
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    Vancouver Canucks sign defenceman Mark Friedman to a one-year contract worth $775K

    The Canucks continue to shore up their blueline depth on Wednesday.

    A day after announcing an eight-year, $58 million extension for Filip Hronek, Vancouver agreed to terms with defenceman Mark Friedman on a one-year contract worth $775,000.

    “Mark’s addition to our group last year gave us some much-needed depth and he is someone we can count on if plugged into our lineup,” said general manager Patrick Allvin in a statement.

    The 28-year-old, in his seventh NHL season, was a career-high plus-four through 23 games in Vancouver despite recording only one point.

    “He is a team-first player and is always ready to step in if called upon,” Allvin continued. “We expect him to come into camp and compete hard for a regular spot this season.”

    Through 88 career regular-season games, Friedman has split time between the Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers. The 185-pound defenceman has racked up 13 points (four goals, nine assists) along with 70 penalty minutes through his time in the NHL.

    Friedman also appeared in six career playoff games with the Penguins, tallying one point (1-0-1) and a plus-three rating.

    The Toronto native was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round, 86th overall, in the 2014 NHL Draft.

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    The Vancouver Canucks have made a move to bolster their defensive depth by signing defenceman Mark Friedman to a one-year contract worth $775,000. The 25-year-old Friedman brings a solid defensive game and a physical presence to the Canucks’ blue line.

    Friedman, who was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft, has spent the past few seasons bouncing between the NHL and AHL. In 2020-21, he played in 11 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins, registering one assist and 10 penalty minutes.

    At 5’10” and 185 pounds, Friedman is not the biggest defenceman in the league, but he makes up for it with his tenacity and willingness to battle in the corners. He is known for his shot-blocking ability and his ability to disrupt opposing forwards in the defensive zone.

    With the Canucks looking to improve their defensive play next season, Friedman could be a valuable addition to the team. His contract is a low-risk, high-reward move for Vancouver, as they hope he can provide stability on the back end and help shore up their defensive deficiencies.

    Overall, the signing of Mark Friedman is a smart move by the Canucks as they look to improve their roster for the upcoming season. With his defensive skills and physical play, Friedman could be a key contributor to the team’s success in 2021-22.