Jul 4, 2008 - 6:44 PM
0 shoutsSAN JOSE, California (Ticker) -- Suddenly for the San Jose Sharks, defenseman Brian Campbell's departure doesn't sting that much.
One day after signing former Norris Trophy winner Rob Blake, the Sharks on Friday acquired fellow blue-liners Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich from the Tampa Bay Lightning for defensemen Matt Carle and Ty Wishart.
The Lightning also received a first-round pick in 2009 and a fourth-rounder the following year.
The key to the deal for San Jose is Boyle, whose offensive ability - combined with that of Blake - should more than make up for the loss of production from Campbell, who signed an eight-year, $56.8 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.
"Dan is one of the elite offensive-minded defensemen in the league today," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. "Being able to acquire an elite player in his prime that has won a Stanley Cup will help this organization get to where we want to go."
Boyle reportedly was asked to waive the no-trade clause in his contract and agree to the deal, which apparently is a cost-cutting move by Tampa Bay's new ownership, which has been a major player since the free-agent market opened.
"Anytime you consider trading a player of Dan Boyle's caliber, you have to be sure of your options and subsequent decisions," Lightning vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said. "For years, Dan has been a big part of the Lightning's success, but we felt the need to make this move was in the best interest of our present and our future. We know this has been difficult for Dan and his family, but he has been nothing (but) a professional through the entire process, and we thank him for that."
A member of Tampa Bay's Stanley Cup-winning team in 2004, the 31-year-old Boyle had signed a six-year, $40 million extension just before the trade deadline in February.
Boyle scored a career-high 20 goals for the Lightning in 2006-07, but was limited to four tallies and 21 assists in just 37 games last season, which was abbreviated due to a left wrist injury suffered in a bizarre preseason accident in which a skate fell from his locker and severed three tendons.
In 523 career contests with the Florida Panthers and Lightning, the 5-11, 184-pounder has collected 76 tallies, 292 points and 338 penalty minutes. The native of Ottawa represented Canada at the 2006 Winter Olympics and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist in 1997-98, his senior season at the University of Miami of Ohio.
A fourth-round pick of the New York Islanders in 1994, Lukowich also helped the Lightning to the Stanley Cup in 2004 but signed with the Islanders prior to the 2005-06 season. After a stint with the New Jersey Devils, the 31-year-old returned to Tampa Bay last campaign, when he notched one goal and six assists in 59 games.
Lukowich, who also was a member of Dallas' championship team in 1999, has collected 22 goals, 81 assists and 353 penalty minutes in 582 career games with the Stars, Lightning, Islanders and Devils.
"Brad is a tough competitor that isn't afraid to give up his body for the sake of the team," Wilson said. "He has won two Stanley Cups and he knows that everyone on a team needs to play a role in order to achieve the ultimate success."
The Alaskan-born Carle was selected in the second round of the 2003 draft by San Jose. Immediately after winning the Hobey Baker Award during his junior season at the University of Denver in 2005-06, the 23-year-old jumped right into the Sharks' lineup, registering three goals and six points in 12 regular-season games before notching three assists in 11 playoff contests.
Last season, Carle recorded two goals and 13 assists in 62 games. In 151 career contests with San Jose, the 6-foot, 205-pounder amassed 16 tallies, 63 points and 70 penalty minutes.
"We are thrilled to add a player with Matt's abilities to our roster as we continue our plan of retooling and refinishing the Lightning team," Lawton said. "He quarterbacked the No. 1 power-play unit in the NHL two seasons ago as a rookie and he clearly will add speed and skill to our lineup. He fits with our plan of trying to get younger and better."
Wilson admitted parting with Carle was difficult.
"We really feel that Matt will have tremendous success in this league," he said. "But you have to give to get, and we felt that this move will ultimately help us get to where we want to get."
Drafted 16th overall in 2006, Wishart split the majority of 2007-08 between Prince George and Moose Jaw of the Western Hockey League, collecting 16 goals and 51 assists in 72 games. The 20-year-old native of British Columbia also appeared in five contests with Worcester of the American Hockey League but did not record a point.
"We wish Ty the best in his development," Wilson said. "We feel he has a bright future ahead of him and wish him the best."
