Canucks sign Vigneault to extension

The Vancouver Canucks signed coach Alain Vigneault to an extension that through the 2009-10 season Thursday, but fired two of their assistant coaches.

Through his first two seasons, Vigneault has guided the Canucks to a record of 88-59-17.

In 2006-07, he guided the Canucks to a franchise-record 49 wins and 105 points, earning the NHL Coach of the Year Award. The Canucks won their Western Conference quarterfinal series but lost in the conference semifinals to the eventual champion Anaheim Ducks.

However, Vancouver struggled to a 39-33-10 mark this, missing the playoffs and leading to speculation of changes to the coaching staff.

That change came with two assistant coaches Thursday, as the Canucks announced that Barry Smith and Mike Kelly will not return next season.

"This is a significant announcement for our hockey club," Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said. "My first priority when taking over the job was to meet with Alain and ensure we shared the same philosophy about building an elite-level team for now and for the future.

"Alain has done a very good job in his two years in Vancouver and I am confident that will continue."

"I am pleased to be signing this extension to remain head coach of such a great franchise," Vigneault said.

"Mike (Gillis) and I have had meaningful discussions about how we believe we can take the next step with this team to be as successful as we all hope to be. This is a team that I believe in and a city that I love living and working in."