Kyle Wellwood California Dreamin' After Stint in Russia

Filed under: Sharks VANCOUVER -- At times, Kyle Wellwood thought he would never make it back to the NHL. But after a 25-game stint in Russia, the enigmatic center with everyman appeal is getting another chance to to stay in the world's best league, with the San Jose Sharks. He played his first game Thursday as the Sharks downed his old Vancouver Canucks team, 2-1, in a shootout at Rogers Arena. "This is pro sports and you've gotta earn your way and all of your ice time and everything you get," said Wellwood. "Certainly, you feel like you're on the outside when you're not in (the NHL). But it's a small league and, if you've already been in it, you know you can earn your way back in it." The Sharks claimed Wellwood as he was put on mandatory re-entry waivers after signing a one-year contract with the St. Louis Blues. He had joined Mytishchi Atlant, a KHL team near Moscow, after the Canucks decided not to re-sign him and an unsuccessful t...