CKNW is reporting that Vancouver has qualified Kyle Wellwood, giving him until July 5th to accept the offer. Should he return, Pudge could slot in anywhere on the top three lines, depending on of course the Sedins contract status, any free agent signings and Cody Hodgson. Pudge definitely earned the right to come back; after a tumultuous start, Pudge eventually turned himself into everything from a PP specialist to a checking line specialist and, against all odds, made himself an asset in a lot of games. Here's hoping his conditioning level is lights out this summer.
On the other end, Taylor Pyatt's Vancouver career is at an end, bringing moans from countless puck bunnies across the world. All kidding aside, Pyatt was one of the many Nonis gambles that worked out fairly well. He posted his best career numbers with Vancouver (two straight 37 point campaigns) and was a successful third Sedin for a season too. This past year however injuries and personal reasons (no need to focus on his loss any longer) took a toll on his game appearances and his point production took a significant hit. Steve Bernier, who plays a similar game, and the hope that Grabner or a cheaper UFA could fill third line duties made Pyatt a numbers victim more than anything else.
The unemployment line lies dormant. For now (cue evil music).