The Vancouver Canucks bolstered their offence Thursday, signing forward Pavol Demitra to a $8-million US, two-year contract. Demitra, 33, had 54 points (15-39) in 68 games with Minnesota last season. "Throughout his NHL career, Pavol has proven himself to be an offensive contributor where ever he has played,'' Canucks GM Gillis said in a release. "Pavol is a strong two-way hockey player with excellent quickness and finish. His play making abilities will be an asset on our power play and make him a great addition to our top six forwards.'' Demitra has 699 points (281-418) in 750 career regular-season games with Minnesota, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Ottawa. The six-foot, 210-pound Slovakia native was selected 227th overall by Ottawa in the 1993 NHL draft.
