Two NHL players from Maple Ridge were taken in the spending spree that is under way.
Brad Hunt has gone to the Edmonton Oilers.
The defenceman spent last season with the former Vancouver Canucks AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves, but has signed a two-year deal that will pay him the NHL minimum $550,000 with the Oilers, or $75,000 and $80,000 in the AHL.
The puck-moving defenceman had 33 points in 65 games last year, which was his first full pro season following a distinguished NCAA career at Bemidji State.
Maple Ridge pro hockey player Victor Bartley has re-signed with the Nashville Predators for three years and $2 million.
Impressively, Bartley got a one-way deal – meaning the club has committed to him after a relatively brief audition last season.
The defenceman played in his first 24 games in the NHL last year, getting seven assists and finishing a plus 2. He was with the team down the stretch, and his playing time was top four among blueliners.
He split the year between the Preds and their AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals, where he posted 26 points in 54 games.