Daniel, Henrik Sedin ink matching 4-year extensions with Canucks

Kevin Allen | USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 unrestricted free agent class was severely weakened Friday when the Vancouver Canucks signed Daniel and Henrik Sedin to matching four-year contract extensions.

Both players signed for $28 million, a salary cap hit of $7 million per season for the Canucks. They are both making $6.1 million this season.

"Daniel and Henrik are exemplary leaders, teammates and humanitarians and we're very pleased to have them as part of our team for the long-term," said Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis in a team release. "Few players in the history of this club have had more significant roles in contributing to the success of this team and to our community and we look forward to many more years with their positive influence leading the way."

The twins are 33, meaning they will be 37 when their contracts expire in 2017-18.

This season, Henrik Sedin has three goals and 15 assists, while Daniel has six goals and nine helpers.

Although it certainly isn't a surprise that the Sedins elected to stay in Vancouver where they have spent their entire career, there was some hope among opponents that the delay in getting them signed might mean there was a chance they would explore their options next June.

With the Sedins now signed, the top potential unrestricted free agents for 2014 now includes New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, San Jose Sharks forwards Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau and New York Islanders winger Tomas Vanek, among others.

Undoubtedly, the Sedins could have gotten more in the open market, but they have been involved in the Vancouver community and are comfortable there.

Plus, Henrik Sedin is the team captain and holds franchise records for most points (792), assists (610), plus/minus (+200) and consecutive games played (629). Daniel Sedin ranks second in franchise history in scoring, passing Markus Naslund with a two-point effort April 22, 2013 versus the Chicago Blackhawks.

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