[panoo]

TSN.ca Staff
8/16/2006 3:17:50 PM

Multiple sources report defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick, formerly of the Buffalo Sabres and now a unrestricted free agent, is close to signing a reportedly one year deal with the Vancouver Canucks.

Fitzpatrick had spent the better part of the last three seasons with the Sabres, collecting 14 points in 2005.

CKNW 980 reports the deal is all but signed, granted fitzpatrick passes the team physical.

 

[panoo]

TSN.ca Staff
8/18/2006 2:22:34 PM

The Vancouver Canucks addressed a lack of depth on defence by signing free agent Rory Fitzpatrick on Friday.

Fitzpatrick, 31, played 56 games with the Buffalo Sabres last season recording nine points (4-5-9) and 50 penalty minutes. During Buffalo's playoff run to the Eastern Conference Final this past spring, Fitzpatrick recorded four assists and 16 penalty minutes in 11 games.

In 210 career NHL games with four different teams (Montreal, St. Louis, Nashville, Buffalo), Fitzpatrick has 27 points (9-18-27) and 144 penalty minutes. He has played in 17 NHL Playoff games, recording six points (1-5-6) and 16 penalty minutes.

The 6'2”, 210 lbs, native of Rochester, New York was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, 47th overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.