Garrison signs 6-year contract with Canucks

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) - The Vancouver Canucks signed defenseman Jason Garrison to a six-year contract on the first day of NHL free agency Sunday.

Garrison, who grew up in White Rock, B.C., joins the Canucks after four seasons with the Panthers.

The 27-year-old had 16 goals and 17 assists for 33 points in 77 games with Florida last season. He added a goal and two assists in the playoffs.

Garrison was viewed as a prime candidate to join the Canucks before free agency opened due to his Vancouver ties. He appeared to become expendable in Florida after the Panthers signed defenseman Filip Kuba away from the Ottawa Senators.

Meanwhile, the Canucks lost two defensemen to free agency Sunday. Sami Salo joined the Tampa Bay Lightning while Aaron Rome signed with the Dallas Stars.