Playing Time for Brown Will Be Conditional

The Mighty Ducks claimed Mike Brown on waivers from the Vancouver Canucks on Oct. 11, hoping that the left winger could fulfill the potential that made him a No. 1 draft pick in 1997.

Brown has played in only 16 NHL games the last two seasons. At 6 feet 4, 225 pounds, he has the potential to be an enforcer.

“He is going to get introduced to [strength coach] Sean Skahan, [and] when Sean tells me he is close, we’re going to give him an opportunity,” Coach Mike Babcock said. “He’s a big tough kid, a big talent, who hasn’t taken advantage of the opportunity through his conditioning and his commitment to it.”

Brown practiced with the Ducks for the first time Thursday. He was delayed in Vancouver, waiting for his visa to be arranged.

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Paul Kariya and Vancouver’s Ed Jovanovski were awarded their rings Wednesday night for being part of Canada’s gold-medal team in the 2002 Olympics.

“This brings back a lot of terrific memories,” Kariya said.

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Defenseman Pavel Trnka tested his injured groin during the Ducks’ morning skate but was not sure when he would be ready to play. He has been on injured reserve since the season began.

“It felt a lot better today,” Trnka said. “This has been frustrating. But I pushed it too hard last week.”