The Vancouver Canucks have signed restricted free agent forward Markus Granlund to a two-year contract extension today.

As per General Fanager, the annual cap hit is $900,000.

The young Finnish forward posted two goals and one assist in 16 games with the Canucks after being acquired in late February for Hunter Shinkaruk. 

Before being acquired by the Canucks, Granlund posted 7 points (4-3-7) in 31 games with the Calgary Flames, and also put up 9 points (5-4-9) with the Flames AHL affiliate Stockton Thunder

The 23 year old forward will represent Finland at the upcoming World Championships that begin on May 6th. 

At times this season with the Canucks, Granlund looked everything they hoped he would be. A versatile centre who could play the wing with speed, playmaking abilities and would also show flashes of goal scoring. Unfortunately they were more glimpses rather than overriding theme of his season. But he is only 23, thus he has time to work on being a consistent contributor for a team in transition and at $900,000 per season, the risks for the Canucks are minimal.

Next year will be a big year for Granlund to prove that he can be an every day NHL player who can handle the rigours of a full 82 game season. He has shown that he can dominate at the AHL level, and hopefully he can breakout in the first season of his new two year extension.