So far today, on the first day of free agency, the Vancouver Canucks have signed Dan Hamhuis, Manny Malhotra, Jeff Tambellini, and Joel Perrault.

Hamhuis is the big one. He gets 6 years at $4.5 million per year. He’ll be replacing Willie Mitchell, basically. The hope is for him to play a top-two role. He’s more defensive than offensive, but he has some offensive ability and he can skate and move the puck.

With Hamhuis, the Canucks’ current defensive line-up is Hamhuis, Ballard, Edler, Ehrhoff, Salo, Bieksa, Rome, O’Brien (pending a new contract), and then various prospects. That’s 8 proven NHL-ready defensemen, 6 of whom are earning $3 million or more. It’s likely one guy will be traded – the most likely is Bieksa – to save some cap space and make room for signing Mason Raymond, Tanner Glass, and Shane O’Brien. Look for Mike Gillis to pursue another third-line checking forward and a second- or third-round draft pick with that trade.

Manny Malhotra will likely be our new third-line center. He’s great at faceoffs and responsible defensively, which is exactly what’s needed for this team. That means Cody Hodgson, if he makes the team, will probably be playing the wing.

Tambellini and Perrault are depth signings to encourage competition for third- and fourth-line spots. The more players there are fighting for those spots, the better they’ll all have to play to stay there. Also, this gives the Canucks more insurance in case of injury.

Overall, I’m thrilled with the moves the Canucks have made. With a bit more cap management and continued development from our young players, we’re going to have a real shot at winning it all over the next few years, and our long-term future looks pretty bright, too.