Chris Wagner returns to Ducks on waiver claim from Avs

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Anaheim Ducks have reclaimed center Chris Wagner off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche.

The Ducks announced Wagner's return to the franchise on Thursday, three months after he left.

Wagner was a fifth-round pick by the Ducks in 2010, and the Colgate University product rose through their system to make his NHL debut last year. He went scoreless in 20 regular-season games and two playoff games for Anaheim before Colorado claimed him off waivers on Nov. 15.

Wagner scored four goals in 26 games with the Avalanche but was waived again earlier this week.

The Ducks assigned him to their AHL affiliate in San Diego after his return.

Anaheim has won six straight and 13 of 15 to move within two points of Pacific Division-leading Los Angeles.