Sharks Claim Kyle Wellwood Off Waivers from Blues

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have claimed center Kyle Wellwood off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, just one day after he officially signed a one-year deal with the team. He had been released by Atlant Mytishchi of the KHL two weeks ago and had to pass through waivers in order to join the Blues. The Blues suffered a similar fate this past December when they attempted to sign forward Marek Svatos to a one-year deal. He was claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators one day after signing with St. Louis. In 75 games last season with the Vancouver Canucks, Wellwood had 14 goals and 11 assists for for 25 points. In 338 career NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks, he has 63 goals and 97 assists for 160 points. He attended the Phoenix Coyotes' training camp this past September on a tryout basis, but was unsuccessful in making the team. This is an okay move for the Sharks, as Wellwood will add some offensive depth to the forward lines. He is a decent playmaker, but is somewhat inconsistent in his scoring, so perhaps he will be able to improve his skills a bit in San Jose and maybe provide a little spark to the team's struggling offense. As for the Blues, this is the second time they've been burned on the waiver wire in the last 30 days while trying to add offensive depth to their injury-depleted roster. At this point, it may be best for them to call up some players from the minors to help cover for their injuries.