Maple Leafs' Notes: Wellwood a Canuck, McCabe Staying, Raycroft to Marlies?

Wellwood claimed off waivers by Vancouver

The Vancouver Canucks have claimed forward Kyle Wellwood off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

A controversial move, Wellwood, a crafty young center was placed on waivers yesterday afternoon by Toronto.

McCabe survives roster cuts, so far

Bryan McCabe has survived the first round of roster cuts made by Maple Leafs' GM Cliff Fletcher; however, some are speculating it is only a matter of time before he is out of Toronto.

Bill Watters from Leafs' Lunch said there are two to three teams McCabe would welcome a trade to and the Maple Leafs are only claiming they are keeping the defenseman to build up his trade value.

If the Maple Leafs are unsuccessful in trading McCabe by Sunday, Watters said they may try to buy him out.

Raycroft to the Marlies?

Andrew Raycroft was placed on waivers, and has since cleared, giving GM Cliff Fletcher a few options.

First, he can buy out Raycroft.  It wouldn't cost them too much money to exercise this.

Secondly, they can bring him up on re-entry waivers hoping a team will take him.  If they do, the Leafs will only be on the hook for half of his remaining salary.

Another option that is gaining some legs is Raycroft going to the minors and backing up Justin Pogge on the Marlies.

Although it doesn't seem likely, due to the fact that Pogge is all but guaranteed to get the bulk of the starts, it is now being made possible by the release of Scott Clemmensen, who will not be back with the Maple Leafs next season.