Canucks sign Schneider to 3-year, $12 million US deal

After weeks of speculation from fans and sportscasters about the fate of the Vancouver Canucks goaltenders, the team has proposed a three-year contract extension for $12 million US for restricted free-agent Cory Schneider.

General Manager Mike Gillis told the crowd of season ticket holders the news about Schneider during an evening meeting on Thursday. The Canucks wanted to re-sign Schneider before he became a restricted free agent on Sunday, July 1.

“I wouldn’t say we feared that, but it would have added a layer of headache that I don’t think any of us needed – this removes a level of uncertainty,” Gillis told the media.

He went on to say “We’re very pleased to have Cory signed. He’s a young player who’s a very good player, a good person and a good teammate. Why wouldn’t you want to have someone like that to be part of your organization?”

“Cory has been in this organization as long as I’ve been here. We’ve watched him develop into one of the top young players in the game. He’s a very important part of our hockey team,” he added.

As for Roberto Luongo, his fate is still undecided. With the signing of Schneider however, the Canucks can now pursue a trade for Luongo looking for teams to take on the remaining $53.3 million of his contract. Gillis told the media “it remains possible that both goalies will be back with the Canucks next fall.”

Schneider is expected to talk to reporters today in a press conference.

*Image Courtesy of theVancouverCanucks/Jeff Vinnick