Ryan Kesler, who has played in just seven games this season, will miss the next several weeks with a broken bone in his right foot, according to coach Alain Vigneault.

Vigneault said Kesler had a CT scan Wednesday confirming the centre, who had been complaining of pain through the Canucks recent road trip, had a fracture in his foot.

When the injury occurred is still unknown, as Kesler underwent an X-ray during last week's road trip.

"Just like a number of our players, he's blocked several shots," said Vigneault. "After games you see tons of players in the dressing room with ice bags. Ryan is one of those players who after games has ice bags on him."

While he did not make an announcement on who will be replacing the 27 year-old at centre, Vigneault did hint that Andrew Ebbett would be "a possibility, most likely."

Volpatti waived

It was also announced Wednesday that Aaron Volpatti has been placed on waivers.

The Revelstoke, B.C. native had dressed in 16 games this year recording one goal and 28 penalty minutes.

Vigneault stressed the decision was made to increase Volpatti's ice time, as he had been a healthy scratch two of the last three games.

"This has got more to do with Aaron getting an opportunity to play a little bit more."

"He'll be able to go to Chicago and play a little bit more and if we need him down the road he will be a good player for us."

Manny speaks

With the Canucks down two forwards at practice, Manny Malhotra returned to the ice with the team skating and participating in all drills.

Vigneault said it was Malhotra, who is on long term-injured reserve, who requested to join the practice.

"He came to see me before and asked if I needed the extra body and I said, 'Yes, I do'."

Malhotra spoke for the first time since he was told he would not be playing for the remainder of the season.

"It's tough to go from playing two, three weeks ago, to saying that I don't have that itch,” said Malhotra. “The itch is there, it's fun to go out on the ice on a day like today and practicing with the guys. It felt good.”

Kevin Bieksa did not join the team for practice. He’s still nursing a sore groin, which has kept him out of the line-up since last Friday.