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Canucks sign veteran Vanek knowing he has a nose for the net

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Thomas Vanek is neither fast nor young, but he can do one thing that fits into the Vancouver Canucks’ master plan for the upcoming National Hockey League season.

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He can shoot the puck in the net — and for that skill the Canucks are willing to pay him $2 million for 2017-18.

“He’s a proven goal scorer,” said Canucks general manager Jim Benning, who was in the Buffalo Sabres’ organization when Vanek was drafted. “He’s a big strong guy who can get to the net and do things when he gets there. He should be a fit with the Sedins on the power play.”

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As for the larger question about Vanek’s signing and what it means for some of the Canucks’ younger players, Benning said: “I think what we’re trying to do is build a group of forwards where there’s competition for jobs. We’ve got young guys pushing. That will make it exciting going into training camp.”

The 33-year-old Vanek, a 12-year NHL veteran, signed a one-year deal with the Canucks Friday, immediately adding scoring punch and age to the front half of the team’s forward alignment.

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A two-time 40-goal man in his salad days with the Sabres, Vanek still scored 17 last season between Detroit and Florida and figures to play in the Canucks’ top-six as well as take up a feature role on the power play.

Vanek’s contract comes without trade limitations which means the Canucks will be free to move him at the trade deadline. His presence also raises questions about the immediate future of players like Brock Boeser and Jake Virtanen, but Benning said if the Canucks’ youngsters prove they’re ready to play in the NHL, they’ll get that opportunity.

“We have spots available to be earned by our younger players but they’re going to have to come to camp and earn those spots,” the GM said. “We don’t want to rush those players, but if they’re ready they’ll play.”

Benning said Vanek adds depth to a team that has been decimated by injuries for the last two seasons. Last year, the Canucks lost an NHL-leading 462 man-game to injuries.

Ewilles@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/willesonsports

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