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http://tinyurl.com/4sjltcWHISTLER, B.C. — When the Vancouver Canucks claimed Kyle Wellwood off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs this June, they hoped the talented forward could recapture his scoring touch and serve as a second-line forward.
Instead, Vancouver's plans for Wellwood are now on hold and the 25-year-old faces an uphill climb just to make the team.
Wellwood's career with the Canucks might be over after a few preseason games, and by the middle of next week, he could be looking for work.
The reason? Poor conditioning.
Sunday, after the conclusion of the NHL team's two-day training camp, head coach Alain Vigneault revealed that Wellwood's fitness tests on Friday were not up to standard.
He said Wellwood will have to hit certain benchmarks in a second test to be conducted after a Sept. 28 preseason game against the Anaheim Ducks. The Canucks intend to make some roster cuts after that contest – and Wellwood could be among them if his fitness has not improved.
“From early July, when he first got tested, there was a significant improvement. That being said, though, it is still not NHL calibre,” Vigneault said. “As long as we see consistent improvement, we'll work with him and we'll give him the benefit of the doubt. The day that stops …”