Everett, Wash.
Published: Saturday, July 5, 2008

Sharks grab D Dan Boyle from Lightning for Carle

Associated Press

 SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The San Jose Sharks acquired standout defenseman Dan Boyle from Tampa Bay on Friday, trading defenseman Matt Carle and top prospect Ty Wishart to the Lightning to acquire their second proven NHL defensive star in two days.

The Sharks, who received journeyman defenseman Brad Lukowich in the deal, also gave up a first-round pick in 2009 and a fourth-round choice in 2010. San Jose then made room for its new defensive talent by trading veteran defenseman Craig Rivet to Buffalo for two second-round draft picks.

San Jose lost defenseman Brian Campbell to Chicago on Tuesday in a lavish free-agent deal, but the Sharks quickly compensated for his departure.

On Thursday, the Sharks signed longtime Los Angeles Kings captain Rob Blake to a one-year, $5 million free-agent contract. With the addition of Boyle, who waived his no-trade clause to join San Jose, the club replaced Campbell's passing skills with one of the NHL's top puck-moving defensemen.

Boyle and Blake also have championships on their resume, with Boyle playing a significant role in Tampa Bay's only Stanley Cup title in 2004.

Boyle and Blake will join Kyle McLaren, Christian Ehrhoff, Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Doug Murray in a defensive rotation that might be the Sharks' strength next season under rookie coach Todd McLellan.

Boyle missed the first half of last season with a wrist injury from a freak locker-room accident, but returned to score 25 points in 37 games. In February, Boyle signed a six-year, $40 million contract which begins in the upcoming season.

Boyle was one of the NHL's top defensemen in the 2006-07 season with 20 goals and 43 assists. His offensive acumen provides a solid counterpoint to Blake's physical play.

Carle had two goals and 13 assists in 62 games last season, frequently getting benched by coach Ron Wilson. Carle won the Hobey Baker Award at Denver University as the NCAA's top hockey player, but hasn't yet starred in the NHL.

The deal's most painful component for the Sharks is the loss of Wishart, a first-round draft pick two years ago. He finished up his fourth season of junior hockey last spring and played five games with the Sharks' top minor-league affiliate.

Lukowich, a 10-year NHL veteran joining his fifth team, had one goal and six assists during 59 games in his only season with Tampa Bay.

CANUCKS: Vancouver acquired right wing Steve Bernier from the Buffalo Sabres on Friday for a third-round pick in the 2009 NHL draft and a second-round selection in 2010.

Bernier was obtained by Buffalo at the trade deadline in February as part of the deal that sent All-Star defenseman Brian Campbell to San Jose. Bernier has averaged 15 goals in his first three NHL seasons and is a restricted free agent without a contract for next season.

MAPLE LEAFS: Toronto signed center Mikhail Grabovski to a one-year, $850,000 contract Friday, one day after acquiring him in a trade with Montreal.

The 24-year old had three goals and nine points in 24 games with the Canadiens last season. He also spent time with Hamilton of the American Hockey League.

The Maple Leafs sent prospect Greg Pateryn and a second-round draft choice to Montreal in exchange for Grabovski.

JAGR: Jaromir Jagr signed with a Russian team a day after his split with the New York Rangers, leaving the NHL after nearly two decades and returning to the club he joined during the 2004-05 lockout. The Russian League team Avangard Omsk announced the signing of the 36-year-old Czech winger on its Web site Friday.

Jagr's agent, Pat Brisson, confirmed the signing in an e-mail. He and Jagr, as well the team, wouldn't comment on contract terms. However, the deal is believed to be for two years plus an option for a third, and will pay Jagr about $7 million tax free, the equivalent of about $11 million a season in the NHL.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA