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Red Wings sign free agents Jonathan Bernier, Thomas Vanek

Red Wings sign free agents Bernier, Vanek
Red Wings sign free agents Bernier, Vanek
Posted at 5:24 PM, Jul 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-01 18:05:15-04

(AP) -- The Detroit Red Wings agreed to sign goalie Jonathan Bernier and Thomas Vanek when the NHL's free-agency signing period opened on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Bernier signed a three-year contract after going 19-13-3 in 37 games with the Colorado Avalanche.

Vanek enjoyed his 48 games with Detroit in 2016-17 so much he wanted to sign with them last July but they didn't have enough salary-cap space. When the opportunity presented itself this time, the 34-year-old winger zeroed in on a one-year deal and chose Detroit's $3 million offer over a few other options.

"I loved it there," Vanek said. "It was a good it. I really liked the whole culture of the organization and the guys were great. We tried to make it work last year. It didn't work out, so I'm happy it did this year."

Vanek opened last season with Vancouver and closed it in Columbus.