We expected the Vancouver Canucks to make some moves in free agency that would shore up their NHL and AHL-level defensive depth, and they’ve got at least some of their shopping done before the rush.

On Tuesday, Utica Comets defenseman Alex Biega – who played in seven games for the Canucks during the 2014-15 campaign and cashed in a dramatic game-winning goal – broke the news that he’s re-signed with the organization. That news has since been confirmed by the team.

Biega was on a two-way deal that paid him $600,000 in the NHL and $150,000 in the American League last season, and he’ll get a significant AHL raise according to TVA’s Renaud Lavoie. Though Biega will have the same NHL-level salary (which benefits him, since it makes him easier to call up and more likely to get into games), he’ll make more than double the amount – $325,000 – in the American League. Not too shabby.

Biega, 27, played huge minutes for one of the AHL’s best defensive teams last season, and didn’t look out of place defensively in the NHL. A right-handed shooter, he’ll help the club attain their stated goal of going 11 deep with credible NHL fill-ins.