Stars, Penguins exchange defensemen

Nov 16, 2008 - 5:07 PM FRISCO, Texas (Ticker) -- In a deal involving veteran defensemen, the Dallas Stars on Sunday acquired Darryl Sydor from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Philippe Boucher.

Both players are in the final year of their contracts.

The trade returns to Sydor to Dallas, where he will start his third tour of duty.

"Darryl is a proven veteran defenseman who brings a great deal of character and leadership abilities to our group," Stars co-general manager Les Jackson said. "He is obviously a player we are very familiar with and we are excited to welcome him back to the Stars."

The 36-year-old Sydor, who was selected seventh overall by Los Angeles in the 1990 draft, previously played for Dallas from 1996-2003 and also skated for the Stars during the 2006-07 season. The two-time All-Star was a member of Dallas' Stanley Cup championship team in 1999.

A native of Edmonton, Sydor has notched a goal and an assist in eight games with Pittsburgh this season. In 1,179 career contests with the Kings, Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets, Lightning and Penguins, the 6-1, 211-pounder has registered 96 tallies, 486 points and 724 penalty minutes.

Drafted 13th overall by Buffalo in 1991, the 6-3, 218-pound Boucher has recorded three assists in 16 games with Dallas this season. The 35-year-old native of St. Apollinaire, Quebec, who was an All-Star in 2007, has collected 91 goals, 294 points and 678 penalty minutes in 723 career contests with the Sabres, Los Angeles Kings and Stars.