VANCOUVER, British Columbia, -- The Vancouver Canucks have signed free agent goaltender Peter Skudra, the team said Wednesday.

Skudra, 28, who began the season with Hartford of the American Hockey League, will likely serve as a backup to Dan Cloutier, replacing rookie Martin Brochu.

Brochu is 0-3-0 with a 4.16 goals-against average in six appearances for the Canucks this season.

Skudra has appeared in 100 NHL games for Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Boston, compiling a 32-34-12 record with four shutouts and a 2.81 goals against average.

Skudra enjoyed his best season in 1998-99 with the Penguins, when he posted a 15-11-5 record with three shutouts.