Vancouver Canucks sign Sami Salo, but Raffi Torres goes to Phoenix

The Canucks have announced that they have signed star defenceman Sami Salo.

This means fans at Rogers Arena will continue to enjoy watching the Finnish blueliner's cannonating drives from the point.

Salo, 36, had three goals, four assists, and 14 penalty minutes in 27 games last year. He also collected five points during the playoffs, including three goals.

Meanwhile, TSN has reported that the Canucks have also signed forward Chris Higgins to a two-year deal for $1.9 million per year.

Here's one example of Salo's shot from the recent series against the San Jose Sharks. Notice how Higgins screened goalie Antti Niemi.

Meanwhile, one of the powderkegs on the Canucks' third line in the playoffs, 29-year-old Raffi Torres, has signed a multiyear deal with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Follow Charlie Smith on Twitter at twitter.com/csmithstraight.