Canucks claim veteran defenseman Vaananen off waivers

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The Vancouver Canucks claimed veteran defenseman Ossi Vaananen off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday.

The 28-year-old Vaananen had a goal and nine assists in 46 games with the Flyers this season, but was placed on waivers to clear salary cap space for the return of center Daniel Briere.

Vaananen, who has 67 points in 476 NHL games over seven seasons, is making $1 million this season.

The defenseman was picked by Phoenix in the second round of the 1998 NHL Draft. He's also played in Colorado.