Canucks Acquire Lapierre, Sharp from Ducks for Perrault, Draft Pick

The Vancouver Canucks announced today that they have acquired centers Maxim Lapierre and MacGregor Sharp from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for center Joel Perrault and a third round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. Lapierre and Sharp will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer, while Perrault will be an unrestricted free agent. Lapierre was acquired by the Ducks this past December from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Brett Festerling. In 59 games this season with the Canadiens and Ducks, Lapierre has five goals and six assists for 11 points and 72 penalty minutes, while Sharp has six goals and seven assists for 13 points in 49 games with Syracuse of the AHL. Perrault has appeared in seven games this season with the Canucks, scoring no points. He has also played in 26 games with Manitoba of the AHL, scoring three goals and 13 assists for 16 points. Not a bad move for the Canucks, as Lapierre will bring lots of grit and toughness to their checking lines, as well as some versatility. However, he lacks discipline and can grate on his teammates as well as the opposition. If he can play a more disciplined game, Lapierre could really help the team in the playoffs. With Brandon McMillan's emergence in Anaheim, Lapierre became expendable to the team. As for Sharp and Perrault, they will likely spend the rest of the season in the minors and probably won't see any NHL action unless injuries start to mount for both Anaheim and Vancouver.

Canucks Sign Hamhuis, Malhotra, Tambellini, Perrault

The Vancouver Canucks continued to re-vamp their roster on Wednesday by signing defenseman Dan Hamhuis to a six-year contract worth $27 million, center Manny Malhotra to a three-year deal worth $7.5 million, and left wing Jeff Tambellini and center Joel Perrault to one-year contracts. The financial terms of Tambellini's and Perrault's contracts were not disclosed, while Hamhuis' contract averages out to $4.5 million per season, while Malhotra's contract averages out to $2.5 million per season. These aren't bad signings for the Canucks, as Hamhuis is a great puck-moving defenseman with some offensive skill. He should be a great fit on their blueline and help make the team more competitive on the backend. Malhotra brings plenty of two-way play to the team, as well as some grit. He should be a good fit on the checking lines. Tambellini has some skill on the power play and has the potential to be a goal scorer, but has failed to live up to those standards. Perhaps a change of scenery will help his NHL career. Perrault will likely spend most of next season in the minors, but if he makes the Canucks, it will be as fourth line depth.