Minnesota Wild Trade Casey Wellman For Erik Christensen

Network Bar

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 05: Erik Christensen #40 of the New York Rangers takes the ice against the Montreal Canadiens at Madison Square Garden on November 5, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Wild sent Casey Wellman in a trade to the New York Rangers for center Erik Christensen on Friday.

Feb 3, 2012 - The Minnesota Wild made a transaction on Friday and, while it isn't quite as big as bringing Zach Parise back home, it should help shake things up and allow for a bit more scoring on the offensive end. The Wild sent Casey Wellman to the New York Rangers for Erik Christensen and a conditional seventh round pick.

Christensen has been in the NHL since 2005 after being selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. The 28-year old center has appeared in 20 games this season, scoring one goal and contributing four assists.

"He's a guy that's capable of making plays and with that, he's very versatile," head coach Mike Yeo said in a press release. "He's a guy that can play on our power play. Obviously we're looking for him to create some offense for us.

Seems as though Christensen was ready for a change, too.

"I'm excited to come here," said Christensen shortly after being notified of the trade. "I haven't played much this year so it will be a nice, fresh start for me."

For more on the Minnesota Wild, check out Hockey Wilderness. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NHL hub at SBNation.com/NHL.