Jul 4, 2008 - 8:25 PM
0 shoutsBUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- With Rob Blake already in the fold and Dan Boyle on his way, there apparently was no room on the San Jose Sharks' blue line for Craig Rivet.
The Sharks on Friday traded Rivet to the Buffalo Sabres for second-round picks in both the 2009 and 2010 drafts.
Buffalo also obtained San Jose's seventh-round selection in 2010 in the deal.
A third-round pick of Montreal in 1992, Rivet was acquired by San Jose in February 2007. Last season, his first full campaign with the Sharks, the 33-year-old recorded five goals, 30 assists and 104 penalty minutes in 74 games.
"We are very excited to add such a quality veteran player to our roster," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. "He is a great character player that will provide our club added leadership and experience."
A native of North Bay, Ontario, Rivet spent the first 11 1/2 seasons of his career with the Canadiens. The 6-2, 210-pounder has collected 45 goals, 194 points and 911 penalty minutes in 744 NHL contests with Montreal and San Jose.
Rivet apparently was deemed expendable after the Sharks signed former Norris Trophy winner Blake to a one-year contract on Thursday. Following the deal with Buffalo, San Jose also has acquired Boyle and fellow defenseman Brad Lukowich from the Tampa Bay Lightning for blue-liners Matt Carle and Ty Wishart.
"Under the (salary) cap system, difficult decisions have to be made, and this is one of them," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. "Craig is a true professional, and we would like to thank him for everything that he has done here."
