Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson announced they’ve signed forward Paul Cotter to a one-year contract, carrying a salary of $2.15 million annually.

Cotter, 26, spent last season with the New Jersey Devils, where he scored nine goals and six assists for 15 points in 79 games, averaging 10:41 minutes of ice time and finished with a minus-24 rating.

Canucks fans may remember the Canton, Michigan native from his days with the Vegas Golden Knights. Cotter started his career in the desert, scoring 13 goals and five assists for 18 points in 2022-23, when the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup. He did not play in any of the playoff games, but since he played over 41 games that season (55), Cotter’s name is on the Stanley Cup.

Cotter was not given a qualifying offer by the Devils as a restricted free agent, making him an unrestricted free agent and allowing him to sign with any team. CanucksArmy’s Jake Fraser wrote about Cotter as a potential target for the Canucks to sign. Here is what he had to say:

“Paul Cotter could potentially be the best option for the Canucks on this list. The point totals don’t jump off the page by any means, with a career high of 25 three seasons ago, but the style Cotter plays with would make him a perfect fit for the team’s bottom-six. Listed at 6’2″ 213 pounds, Cotter’s size and defensive ability make him an asset that the Canucks could certainly have a good chance at flipping, assuming he has a solid season with more opportunity. There are some similarities between Cotter and Drew O’Connor’s games, but Cotter plays a more physical brand of hockey that Canucks management have been open about looking to add this offseason.”

On a one-year contract, Cotter will fill an energy, bottom-six role, and could easily be flipped at the NHL Trade Deadline for an asset for a rebuilding Canucks if he proves enough value throughout the season.