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Vancouver Canucks ink D Ben Hutton to 2-year extension

By The Sports Xchange
St. Louis Blues Patrik Berglund tries to work the puck past Vancouver Canucks Ben Hutton in the first period at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on March 25, 2016. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
St. Louis Blues Patrik Berglund tries to work the puck past Vancouver Canucks Ben Hutton in the first period at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on March 25, 2016. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo

Defenseman Ben Hutton signed a two-year contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.

Hutton, 23, is in his second season with the Canucks and the club announced the average annual value of the deal is $2.8 million.

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"It's a dream come true to play in this league and to be part of this team," Hutton said. "The Canucks wanting for another two years is great."

Hutton led Vancouver defenseman with 25 points in 75 games as a rookie last season. He was the first Canucks rookie defenseman to get at least 20 points since Mattias Ohlund had 23 during the 1997-98 season.

"It's exciting news," Canucks coach Willie Desjardins said. "Ben has been a nice surprise since he got here. He's a great young player and he's playing real well."

Hutton also helped Canada win the gold medal at the 2016 World Championships in May. This season, Hutton has two goals and four points in 20 games, including a game-winner on an overtime penalty shot against the Arizona Coyotes on Nov. 17

"Ben is developing into one of our young, emerging core players and is an important part of our future," Vancouver General Manager Jim Benning said in a statement. "We're excited to see him further elevate his game and help this team compete for years to come."

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Hutton was Vancouver's fifth-round pick in the 2012 out of the University of Maine. He had 28 goals and 65 points in 108 collegiate games.

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