The Rangers have announced that they have traded center Erik Christensen and a conditional 2013 seventh round pick to Minnesota for Casey Wellman.
Wellman, 24, was signed by the Minnesota Wild as a free agent in 2010. He is 6’0, 173lbs and is from Brentwood, California.
He has a cap hit of $850,000 and is an RFA at the end of the season. He has been assigned to the Whale.
Minnesota GM Chuck Fletcher said this of Wellman when he signed him:
“Casey is a skilled, offensive forward who shoots the puck,” said Fletcher. “He was a highly sought-after free agent, and we are excited he chose to sign with us.”
Michael Russo of Star Tribune wrote, “Wellman is a right-shot centerman. He’s got a great shot, is excellent on draws. Fletcher undoubtedly sold the Wild’s weakness at center as being a reason for Wellman to come here. In other words, he can play right away and will have an excellent chance to make next year’s club. He won’t be eligible to play in the playoffs if the Wild makes it. This is about the future.”
In his career, 41 games, he has averaged between 10 and 12 minutes a game.
