Casey Wellman (Getty Images



SUNRISE – Florida Panthers Executive VP & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has acquired C Casey Wellman from the New York Rangers in exchange for Florida’s fifth round selection in the 2014 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

“Casey is a young, highly skilled forward who adds more depth to our team,” said Tallon. “He can play both center and right wing and we feel he has the ability to play in a top line role within our team. We look forward to his contributions to our club.”

Wellman, 24, has played in 41 career NHL contests, all with Minnesota (2009-2012), registering 13 points (4-9-13). He appeared in 14 games with the Wild last year recording seven points (2-5-7) before being traded to New York on Feb. 3.

The Brentwood, CA native also split the year playing for both Houston (AHL) and Connecticut (AHL) scoring 23 goals with 24 assists in 57 games played. In nine Calder Cup playoff games with Connecticut, Wellman ranked tied for the club lead with nine points (4-5-9). He has played in 99 career AHL games for Houston (2010-2012) and Connecticut (2011-2012), scoring 37 goals with 82 points.

The 6-foot, 175-pound forward played two seasons (2008-2010) of college hockey at UMass-Amherst (Hockey East), ranking second on the club in overall point scoring each year.

The Panthers are set to open the 2012-13 season Oct. 13 against the Tampa Bay Lightning and will raise a Southeast Division Championship banner in a pre-game ceremony. Select lower-bowl season tickets are available for as low as $30 now by calling 954-835-PUCK or clicking to FloridaPanthers.com and single-game tickets will be on sale later this summer.

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