Report: Canucks agree to three-year deal with goalie Cory Schneider

Jeff Paterson of Team 1040 Radio in Vancouver tweeted on Thursday night the news that the Canucks have reached an agreement with goaltender Cory Schneider on a contract extension. Schneider would have become a restricted free agent on Sunday.

General manager Mike Gillis made the announcement to a group of season-ticket holders.

Gillis announces #Canucks have agreed in principle on new deal with Cory Schneider—
Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) June 29, 2012

Gillis says deal with Schneider reached 15 minutes before GM had to address #Canucks season ticket holders—
Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) June 29, 2012

Gillis declines fan's question to elaborate on terms of Schneider's deal in principle #Canucks—
Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) June 29, 2012

Schneider surpassed Roberto Luongo as Vancouver’s No. 1 netminder this season. Tying Schneider up for the immediate future will free the Canucks to more aggressively shop Luongo, who has 10 years remaining on his contract.

Schneider, who made just $900,000 this year, was second in the NHL with a .937 save percentage and third with a 1.96 GAA.

UPDATE: Gillis made it official on his own Twitter feed:

We have agreed in principle to a deal with Cory Schneider. More news in the next few days.—
Mike Gillis (@GMMikeGillis) June 29, 2012

ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun checks in with the terms:

Canucks have agreed in principle to three-year deal worth $12 million for Cory Schneider—
Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 29, 2012