Canucks acquire RW Bernier from Sabres

Jul 4, 2008 - 8:44 PM VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Ticker) -- The Vancouver Canucks acquired right wing Steve Bernier from the Buffalo Sabres for two future draft picks Friday.

Bernier, 23, split last season between the Sabres and San Jose Sharks, combining for 16 goals and 16 assists in 76 games. He appeared in 17 contests with the Sabres, totaling three tallies and nine points.

"Steve Bernier is a highly regarded young player who's enjoyed success early in his career," Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis said. "With his righthanded shot, he will be a great addition to our top-six forward group and an asset to our power play."

Drafted 16th overall by San Jose in 2003, the 6-2, 225-pound Quebec City native has registered 45 goals and 45 assists in 177 career games with the Sharks and Sabres. Bernier also captured a gold medal with Team Canada at the World Under-18 Championship in 2003.

In exchange for the right wing, the Sabres acquired a third-round pick in 2009 and a second-rounder in 2010.