Cloutier's back!!! Cloutier's back!!!
Report: Canucks, Cloutier agree on deal
TSN.ca Staff
8/18/2005 4:16:23 PM
According to a radio report in Vancouver, the Canucks are set to sign restricted free agent goaltender Dan Cloutier to a two-year, $5-million contract.
Canucks general manager Dave Nonis told MOJO Sports Radio 730 in Vancouver, "Dan's situation will be cleared up quickly."
The 29 year-old has improved steadily in Vancouver, posting a better goals against average and better save percentage in each of his three full seasons. However, he's come under fire for his playoff performance, most notably stemming from the 2002 postseason when he surrendered a long-distance goal to Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom in Game Three of a series that the Canucks led 2-0 before eventually losing.
Nonis is confident, however, that Cloutier is ready to take the next step in his development.
"The only thing missing is a great playoff run," said Nonis, "and we thought he was poised to do that the last time we played, but then he was knocked out by injury against Calgary."