The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed defenseman Ben Hutton to a two-year, $5.6-million deal, the team announced Thursday.

"Ben is developing into one of our young, emerging core players and is an important part of our future," Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a statement. "We're excited to see him further elevate his game and help this team compete for years to come."

Hutton has scored four points in 20 games with the Canucks this season.

The 23-year-old made his NHL debut last season, appearing in 75 games and scoring 25 points. The Canucks selected Hutton in the fifth round of the 2012 draft.

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