The Vancouver Canucks and Danish defenseman Philip Larsen have come to terms on a one-way deal, as first reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger.
Philip Larsen signs with Canucks. 1 yr at $1.025 mil
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2016
Since trading to acquire his rights from the Edmonton Oilers ahead of the 2016 trade deadline, the Canucks front office had publicly voiced their intentions to sign Larsen this summer and give him a chance to earn a roster spot on the team’s blue line next season. It’s likely no coincidence that the Canucks expressed their interest in Larsen while he experienced his best season as a pro in 2015-16.
The 26-year-old Larsen is coming off a career-year offensively with Jokerit in the KHL. Among defensemen in the league, Larsen tied for second in goals (11), tied for fourth in assists (25), and finished alone in fifth for points (36). He also added three goals and four points in four playoff games.
Larsen is known for his offensive play and his ability to quarterback a powerplay. There’s a strong chance that with his one-year, one-way deal, Larsen is likely in a “show me” situation with the Canucks, similar to Yannick Weber last season. Weber disappointed in his role, leaving the door open now for Larsen, who has a similar skillset and some untapped potential.
In parts of five NHL seasons (three full seasons), Larsen has totaled eight goals and 31 points in 125 games, between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers. He most recently spent the past two years in the KHL, and in that time totaled 17 goals and 61 points in 108 games. Larsen is a former 149th overall draft pick to the Dallas Stars in 2008.