Restricted free agent Shane O'Brien has agreed to terms with the Vancouver Canucks on a one-year, $1.6 million contract.
The 25-year old defenceman recored 10 assists in 77 games last season. He also tallied 196 penalty minutes, which was second in the NHL only to forward Daniel Carcillo.
With the departure of Mattias Ohlund to the Tampa Bay Lightning, O'Brien realizes that he will be asked to play a bigger role with the team this season.
"I'm never going to be an offensive guy, but I think I can contribute more offensively," he said. "Hopefully I will get a little bit more of an opportunity this year with ice time.
"You have to earn your ice time. If I get a little more ice time I can contribute a little more offensively and continue to be a real solid in my own zone and be tough to play against."
O'Brien and Michel Ouellet were acquired by Vancouver from the Tampa Bay Lightning for Lukas Krajicek and Juraj Simek at the beginning of the season last October.