Jets claim D Ellerby off waivers

The Winnipeg Jets claimed defenseman Keaton Ellerby off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday morning, NHL.com reported.

Winnipeg is need of blue-line help with injuries to regulars Mark Stuart (hip), Jacob Trouba (neck) and Paul Postma (blood clot).

Ellerby, 24, did not appear in a game for the Kings this season. He played 35 games last season. They acquired him in a trade with the Florida Panthers earlier this year.

The Panthers took Ellerby 10th overall in the 2007 draft. He has two goals and 18 assists in 160 NHL games.

The Jets also recalled defensemen Ben Chiarot and Julian Melchiori from St. John's of the American Hockey League earlier in the week. They make their NHL debuts Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks.