Canucks sign Minnesota State D-man Hirose to entry-level deal
Icon Sportswire / Getty
The Vancouver Canucks have signed NCAA free-agent defenseman Akito Hirose to a one-year, entry-level contract, the team announced.
Hirose is coming off a stellar three-year run at Minnesota State University (Mankato). He tallied four goals and 23 assists in 38 games for the Mavericks this past season.
"His skating ability is absolutely NHL-quality and he thinks the game at a high level," prospect analyst Chris Peters wrote. "Those two factors give him a chance to be a solid depth defenseman down the line."
A native of Calgary, Alberta, Hirose is 23 years old, shoots left, and is listed at 6-feet and 170 pounds. His brother, Taro, has played 58 NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings.
HEADLINES
- Martínez, Ramírez hit back-to-back HRs as Guardians sweep Astros
- Rays' Caminero named AL's starter at 3B after Ramírez pulls out of ASG
- D-Backs recall Saalfrank after 1-year ban for betting on baseball
- Ex-Jazz coach, GM Frank Layden dies at 93
- Harper after slump-busting game vs. Giants: 'I'm really good'
Advertisement