Canucks sign defenseman Cam Barker

The Vancouver Canucks, looking for depth on the blue line, have signed free-agent defenseman Cam Barker to a one-year contract.

ESPN's Pierre Lebrun reports that the deal is worth $700,000.

Barker was Chicago's first-round pick (No. 3) in the 2004 NHL Draft and spent 4 1/2 seasons with the Hawks before being dealt to the Minnesota Wild at the 2010 trade deadline. He played last season in Edmonton after signing with the Oilers as a free agent in the summer of 2011, but was not tendered a contract in June and became a free agent again.

Barker signed a 25-game tryout with the Texas Stars of the AHL during the lockout, scoring three goals and eight points in 23 games, but the team opted to sever ties with him after it expired. He has been skating in Vancouver since then.

Coach Alain Vigneault said Sunday that he will give Barker an opportunity, and that Barker will practice and scrimmage with the team this week.

The 26-year-old native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, has played 296 NHL games, scoring 21 goals and collecting 94 points along with 286 penalty minutes. He has three goals, nine points and two penalty minutes in 17 playoff games.