The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Rick Rypien to a two-year contract extension with the club through the 2010-11 NHL season. Rypien has played five seasons with the Canucks.
''Rick plays with intensity and energy every time he steps on the ice,'' said Canucks general manager Mike Gillis. ''He is an important part of our team and a valued teammate.''
The 25-year-old Rypien made his NHL playoff debut this past season recording two assists and 40 penalty minutes in 10 games.
In 41 career games as a Canuck, Rypien has scored five goals and added two assists for seven points and 69 penalty minutes.
The Coleman, Alberta native originally signed with Vancouver as a free agent on November 9, 2005.