Canucks Claim Vaananen Off Waivers from Flyers

The Vancouver Canucks announced that they have claimed defenseman Ossi Vaananen off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers. The defenseman was placed on waivers in order to make room for Daniel Briere and his salary, as he returned from an injury on Friday. In 46 games so far this season, Vaananen has one goal and nine assists for 10 points. He signed a one-year contract this past summer with the Flyers after playing the 2007-08 season in Sweden. This waiver claim by the Canucks is purely a depth move for their defense in case they run into any injuries between now and the playoffs, so don't expect to see Vaananen in the lineup very often.