VANCOUVER (CP) -- Brian Noonan has gone from unwanted in New York to most wanted in Vancouver in less than two weeks.
The veteran was traded to the Canucks March 8 by the Rangers and has quickly become arguably the most valuable member of the Vancouver team.
Nooan plays on power plays, kills penalties and works smartly alongside Martin Gelinas and Mike Sillinger on the team's most effective forward line.
"It's nice to come to a team where you feel you have some responsibilities," Noonan said Thursday. "The team has showed confidence in me and it's been a lot of fun so far."
The Boston-born, 31-year-old right-winger had two goals and four points in his first five games with Vancouver, including a shorthanded goal.
Three years ago Noonan earned a Stanley Cup ring with the Rangers when they beat the Canucks in the seven-game final. He's also made a side trip to St. Louis and was a favorite of former Blues coach Mike Keenan.
Noonan went back to the Rangers this season in a deal for Sergio Momesso, but failed to fit in with the Rangers' plans on a regular basis.
The Canucks obtained Noonan and checking centre Sergei Nemchinov from New York for veteran forwards Esa Tikkanen and Russ Courtnall.
Vancouver management values the verstatile Noonan because he's under contract for another year, while the other three in the trade become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season.
The Canucks need a strong finish by Noonan if they are to make a late run for a playoff berth in the Western Conference.
"We have a stretch of home games now and play a lot of teams in our conference," Noonan said before a contest with the San Jose Sharks. "We have a good chance if we can put a string of wins together."
Canucks coach Tom Renney has used Noonan extensively after injuries sidelined forwards Pavel Bure, Trevor Linden, David Roberts and Nemchinov.
"Brian has done the things we hoped he would in respect to working along the boards, getting the puck deep, working the corners, going to the net and being a responsible, two-way player," said Renney.
"The experience he brings is right on the mark, just what we need. Brian is real steady and I can appreciate why he's been part of a Stanley Cup winner in the past."
Noonan, who played a season of major junior hockey in suburban New Westminster 12 years ago, just wants a chance to contribute regularly.
"I got very little ice time in New York -- they've got a lot of good players there," Noonan said. "Some of us just wanted a chance to get on the ice and show what we can do.
"Being traded was not a problem. Hockey is a business and trades are part of it. It's over and you move on.
"With the injuries here, I'm fortunate to get a lot of ice time. I have no complaints. The coach is showing confidence in me and it's been a while since I've had that."
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