THE CANADIAN PRESS

LOS ANGELES -- The Vancouver Canucks have made a deal to shore up their blue-line, acquiring Keith Ballard from the Florida Panthers at the NHL draft Friday.

Vancouver also received forward Victor Oreskovich in the deal.

Florida received Steve Bernier, Michael Grabner and the 25th overall pick in the draft.

Florida used the pick to select Winnipeg native Quinton Howden, who played for Moose Jaw in the Western Hockey League last season.

The 27-year-old Ballard had 28 points (eight goals, 20 assists) in 82 games for the Panthers and comes at a price -- he's due to make US$4.2 million each of the next five years.

He'll likely replace Willie Mitchell, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Bernier, a four-year veteran, had 11 goals and 11 assists in 59 games. Grabner, a rookie from Austria last season, played in just 20 games for the Canucks.

Howden broke his left leg as a six year old, and had to wear a chest-to-toe body cast. He had to learn to walk again before starting to play hockey at age seven.

Last season with Moose Jaw, Howden compiled 28 goals and 37 assists in 65 games.