Vancouver Canucks Re-Sign Emerson Etem

Emerson Etem and the Vancouver Canucks have agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension, valued at $775,000. It’s a curious move for Etem, who was due a qualifying offer of $892,500 for next season — a five percent increase on his previous salary of $850,000.

It’s a one-way contract and upon its expiry Etem will once again be granted restricted free agency. 

That the Canucks and Etem came to terms on a contract extension, valued well below what a qualifying offer would guarantee, is a curious move. Particularly for Etem, who in this particular instance held much of the leverage. All the more so because the Canucks appeared willing to qualify Etem if they couldn’t come to terms.

Perhaps Etem, who is keenly aware of this being his last opportunity to get his career on the right track, was willing to sacrifice short-term gain in favour of long-term good will. Especially with the news of many a good, young player going unqualified due to the short-term ramifications of the devalued Canadian dollar.

The Canucks acquired Etem at about the mid-way point of the season, dealing Nicklas Jensen and a sixth-round selection to the New York Rangers in exchange for the young winger. In 39 games with the Canucks, Etem had a respectable seven goals and five assists.

Though it seems unlikely at this stage that Etem, who just turned 24, will develop into the first round talent the Anaheim Ducks envisioned him as when they selected him 29th overall in the 2010 draft, it appears as though he’s well on his way to developing into a useful bottom-six forward with speed to burn.

The Canucks missed the 5pm EST deadline to qualify Linden Vey and Joe Cannata. Though both could still negotiate a contract by July 1st, I find it highly unlikely at this stage.