Edmonton Oilers player Tom Gilbert wipes Tampa Bay Lightning player James Wright off his back as they fight for the puck during pre-season NHL action at Rexall Place on Thursday, Sept. 23 2010, in Edmonton, Alta. (AMBER BRACKEN/EDMONTON SUN)
The Winnipeg Jets have picked up a former teammate of Evander Kane.
According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Winnipeg has claimed 6-foot-3 centre James Wright off waivers from the Florida Panthers. Wright has appeared in 49 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning, notching two goals and three assists.
Kane and Wright played together for the WHL’s Vancouver Giants.
“Awesome,” Kane said when hearing the news after Friday’s practice at MTS Centre. “We played junior together for two and a half years. I was in a golf tournament with him this summer and got to see him, so I’m glad he’s a Jet. I’m looking forward to seeing him.”
Wright, a 22-year-old from Saskatoon, fits the theme of Winnipeg’s acquisitions this season: big and relatively fast. He has played in only one NHL game since the 2009-10 season, however.
