Rookie Canucks GM Mike Gillis has one thing already figured out -- Craig Heisinger and his Manitoba Moose staff know the players at the AHL level as well or better than anyone else.
Gillis picked Heisinger's pocket on Wednesday when Vancouver announced the signings of defenceman Nolan Baumgartner and forward Alex Bolduc to NHL contracts. Both deals are two-way contracts and while both players will go to training camp with the Canucks, they'll do so with Moose stamps on their resum ©s.
Nolan Baumgartner also had offers from Tampa Bay, San Jose and Boston.
Heisinger rescued Bolduc from the dregs of pro hockey and has nursed him through parts of three seasons with the Moose. Last season, the 23-year-old advanced his game to a level that couldn't be ignored by NHL scouts and it's believed Bolduc was pursued by a number of clubs before signing with Vancouver.
On loan
Baumgartner, meanwhile, had previously spent time with the Canucks organization and was acquired by Heisinger at the trade deadline last season on loan from the Dallas Stars. Heisinger made the deal with an eye to retaining Baumgartner for the future and Gillis cinched the deal early this week.
"In Alex's case, he's made two or three steps since getting over the disappointment of St. Louis not signing him after they drafted him," said Heisinger. "He's had growth and by no means is he all the way there but this is another step for him."
Baumgartner has seen action in 131 NHL games during his 13-year career and made the Moose a far better club upon his arrival late last season.
"Last year's deadline deal, part of that was to have a chance at signing Nolan again," said Heisinger, in Vancouver to take part in free agent meetings with the Canucks. "He and his wife Liz made a commitment to our community the last time they were here...
"He'll probably play in Manitoba and be a depth guy for Vancouver. He's a top-end defenceman in the AHL and over the last couple of seasons he's proven to be very serviceable at the NHL level."
Baumgartner said his agent fielded calls from Tampa Bay, San Jose and Boston but was keen to sign with the Canucks.
"I'll go to Vancouver's camp with the mindset that I'm going to make that club," said Baumgartner, 32. "If it doesn't work out, I know I'm being sent to a place where I like it. This organization (Manitoba) has a commitment to winning and to its players. It's a place I'm comfortable with and an organization that I have faith in."
Bolduc had 18 goals and 19 assists with the Moose last season and became a regular in the club's lineup after two seasons of spot duty with the team.
The Moose will enter the season without the security of veteran goalie Drew MacIntyre.
MacIntyre, who spent two seasons with the Moose, signed a free agent contract with the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.
MacIntyre was Manitoba's No. 1 goalie for most of last season until rookie Cory Schneider wrestled the job from him on the eve of the post-season.
Heisinger said early Wednesday the club would immediately begin working on signing a veteran to replace MacIntyre and expected to make an offer to a goalie this week.
"I've got calls out to a number of guys. We'll see how it plays out in the next little bit," said Heisinger.
gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca
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