This past season, Vaananen played in 67 games for the Coyotes and recorded two goals and seven assists. He missed 15 games due to injury.
"Ossi adds to the long term strength and future of our blueline," said executive vice president and general manager Michael Barnett. "At 22-years of age, he has already played in 224 NHL games. Along with Paul Mara (age 23, 265 games), Brad Ference (age 24, 182 games) and Danny Markov (age 26, 336 games), these are all talented, young defensemen whom we expect will play 20 minutes a game for us as we continue to move forward to put together a Stanley Cup contending team. We are confident that these four players have not reached their peak and expect them to continue to improve and contribute over the upcoming years."
Vaananen will play for Team Finland at the 2003 World Championships in Finland beginning on April 26.
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"Ossi adds to the long term strength and future of our blueline," said executive vice president and general manager Michael Barnett. "At 22-years of age, he has already played in 224 NHL games. Along with Paul Mara (age 23, 265 games), Brad Ference (age 24, 182 games) and Danny Markov (age 26, 336 games), these are all talented, young defensemen whom we expect will play 20 minutes a game for us as we continue to move forward to put together a Stanley Cup contending team. We are confident that these four players have not reached their peak and expect them to continue to improve and contribute over the upcoming years."
Vaananen will play for Team Finland at the 2003 World Championships in Finland beginning on April 26.
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