(Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

The Vancouver Canucks placed centre Andrew Ebbett on waivers on Monday in a move designed to clear a spot on the team’s 23-man roster to facilitate the return of winger David Booth.

Booth has been rehabbing a strained groin that he suffered on the first day of training camp during physicals. He had indicated after Sunday’s morning skate to the media that he could “possibly” return as early as Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.With Ebbett on waivers, it is all but certain that Booth will indeed make his return on Tuesday.

Ebbett’s agent, Alexander Schall, told News 1130 that Ebbett was informed of the Canucks’ decision to waive him after Sunday night’s game against the St. Louis Blues. Coincidentally, after the game, it was revealed by Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault that Booth has been medically cleared to play.

It is expected Ebbett will clear waivers, but News 1130 speculates the Anaheim Ducks may have interest in the centre. If he clears, Ebbett will give the Chicago Wolves a much needed boost as we suggested earlier. The Wolves are “thin” at centre right now and lost both Andrew Gordon and Anton Rodin to injuries this past weekend.

Ebbett will clear waivers on Tuesday at 9am PST if no team puts in a waiver claim.