The Vancouver Canucks claimed centre Kris Beech off waivers from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.

Beech had nine points (5-4) in 16 games for Columbus this season while also spending time with AHL Syracuse. The 26-year-old is earning US$585,000 and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

The Canucks are the sixth NHL team for the native of Salmon Arm, B.C., who was the seventh overall pick by Washington in the 1999 draft. Beech has 65 points (24-41) in 189 career NHL games.