Canucks pick up Kyle Wellwood from Leafs

The Vancouver Canucks have added some needed depth at centre in claiming Kyle Wellwood off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Canucks can retain Wellwood's rights by giving him a qualifying offer and he would not become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Wellwood, 25, struggled with a sports hernia injury the past two seasons. Toronto was counting on the Windsor, Ont., native, who earned $950,000 US last season, to become the team's second-line centre after he had collected 42 points in 48 games in the 2006-07 season.

However, Wellwood's struggle with his hernia problems came back, and he only managed 21 points in 59 games last season and was a minus-12.

The Leafs were also critical about his conditioning and workout regimen in rehabbing his injury.

Wellwood is not considered a strong skater and his 5-foot-10, 180-pound frame might make it hard for him to stand up to physical play in the Western Conference. He also needs to improve his awareness in the defensive zone.

By Ben Kuzma, The Province

Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2008