The Vancouver Canucks were busy on the opening day of free agency Saturday, signing centre Sam Gagner to a US$9.45-million, three-year contract and defenceman Michael Del Zotto to a $6-million, two-year deal.

The Canucks also signed goaltender Anders Nilsson to a $5-million, two-year contract and inked defenceman Patrick Wiercioch, forward Alexander Burmistrov and forward Anton Rodin to one-year deals. Wiercioch鈥檚 deal is worth $650,000, Burmistrov鈥檚 contract is worth $900,000 and Rodin鈥檚 deal is for $700,000.

Gagner, a 27-year-old native of London, Ont., had a career-high 50 points (18-32) in 81 games last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

I'm very excited to become part of the . It's a great hockey city and my family can't wait to be back in Canada! 馃嚚馃嚘

鈥� Sam Gagner (@89SGagner)

The five-foot-11 202-pound forward has 402 points (142-260) in 696 career NHL regular-season games. Gagner, who spent his first seven NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, has also played for the Arizona Coyotes and Philadelphia Flyers.

鈥淪am is a hardworking, right-shot centre with good speed and skill,芒鈧� Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a release. 鈥淗e brings tremendous experience to our team and will set a good example for our younger players.鈥�

Del Zotto, 27, had six goals and 12 assists in 51 games last season for the Philadelphia Flyers. He has 189 points (47-142) in 484 career regular-season games.

鈥淢ichael is a mobile, playmaking defenceman who adds depth and scoring to our blue line,鈥� said Benning. 鈥淗is ability to log big minutes and contribute in all situations will help our team be competitive every night.鈥�

Nilsson, 27, played 26 games last season with the Buffalo Sabres. He had a 10-10-4 record along with a .923 save percentage and a 2.67 goals-against average.

鈥淎nders has a big, athletic frame and we expect that he will compete at high level when called upon,鈥� said Benning.

Nilsson has a 29-32-8 record in 78 career NHL games with a .908 save percentage and 2.94 GAA.

Wiercioch, 26, had 12 points (4-8) in 57 games with the Colorado Avalanche last season. He has 74 points (16-58) in 268 career regular-season games.

Burmistrov, 25, split last season between the Winnipeg Jets and Arizona Coyotes. He had 16 points (5-11) in 49 games.

Rodin, 26, missed most of last season due to injury.

The Canadian Press

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