[CRS]

All's Wellwood for next season
Thursday, July 30, 2009

Kyle Wellwood found his form in Vancouver after struggling in Toronto.

THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed centre Kyle Wellwood to a US$1.2-million, one-year contract following an arbitrator's decision Thursday.

Wellwood, 26, had a career-high 18 goals and nine assists in 74 games for the Canucks last season. He also had 10 power-play goals.

In 10 playoff games, he had one goal and five assists.

"It's very good to have Kyle playing for the franchise," said Laurence Gilman, the Canucks' assistant general manager."He came in, worked very hard, and contributed to our team, both in the regular season and the playoffs."

Wellwood earned $997,500 last season. He filed for arbitration after receiving a $1 million qualifying offer from the Canucks.

The Windsor, Ont., native was originally selected 134th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2001 draft.

Wellwood came to Vancouver after the Leafs did not resign him. He came to camp out of shape and, at one point, the Canucks placed him on waivers.

He rebounded with a good first half of the season, then struggled through a 21-game drought without scoring.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/...yle_resigning/