There was some speculation that Shane O’Brien, after a tremendously up and down season with the Canucks, would become a free agent this summer. It was unknown at the time whether the Canucks would be willing to keep the defenseman, after he had issues with his weight and attitude at different parts of the season.
O’Brien stated after the season that he’d like to remain in Vancouver, and now he’s got his wish. The Canucks extended a qualifying offer worth $1.6 million to the defenseman, keeping him for at least one more season with Vancouver.
Knowing just how much O’Brien loves the team -- and especially the city -- he’d like to get a multi-year contract worked out as well. I’m sure the Canucks will just wait and see how he performs this next season before making any sort of commitment.