Guess Hamhuis wasn't kidding about a preference to play in his native British Columbia, eh?

[url]http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=326256[/url]

The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenceman Dan Hamhuis to a reported six-year contract worth $4.5 million per year.

Hamhuis, 27, had spent the last five seasons with the Nashville Predators.

A native of B.C., Hamhuis had five goals and 19 assists for the Preds last season. Hamhuis has missed only seven games in his five-year NHL career.

He was selected 12th overall by Nashville in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

Vancouver also signed centre Manny Malhotra to a three-year, $7.5 million contract.

The Ontario native's deal includes a no-trade clause.

Malhotra had 14 goals and 19 assists with the San Jose Sharks last season.