Fedor Fedorov traded to NYR

Vancouver, B.C. - Vancouver Canucks Senior Vice-President and General
Manager Dave Nonis announced the Canucks have acquired Jozef Balej and
a conditional draft pick from the New York Rangers in exchange for
Fedor Fedorov.

Balej, 23, joins the Canucks after spending the 2004-05 season with
Hartford of the AHL. In Hartford, Balej scored 20 goals and 22 assists
for a total of 42 points in 69 games played. Prior to the lockout,
Balej was with the New York Rangers for 13 games, recording five
points (1-4-5) and four penalty minutes.

In 2002, Balej was honoured with the distinction of being named a WHL
West First All-Star.

The 6-foot, 190-pound winger was born in Myjava, Slovakia on February
22, 1982. Balej was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the third
round, 78th overall of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.