Sharks acquire Campbell from Sabres, Tampa trades Richards to Dallas
The first big trade of the day is done.
The Buffalo Sabres sent defenceman Brian Campbell to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Steve Bernier and a first round draft pick. The Sabres were unable to come to an agreement with Campbell on a contract extension and opted to trade the star d-man rather than risk losing him as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Campbell has 5 goals and 43 points in 63 games this season.
The Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed on a trade for forward Brad Richards. Both teams now were waiting to see if Richards would waive his no-trade clause and confirm the deal. The Tampa Bay Lightning send forward Brad Richards and goaltender Johan Holmqvist to the Dallas Stars in exchange for goaltender Mike Smith, center Jeff Halpern and winger Jussin Jokinen. Looks like Modano gets his winger.
The New Jersey Devils acquired defenceman Bryce Salvadore from the St. Louis Blues for forward Cam Janssen earlier today and the Toronto Maple Leafs sent tough guy Wade Belak to the Florida Panthers for 5th round pick.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Know what's crazy? I have both Brad Richards and Brian Campbell on the same fantasy team. Maybe it was me...
I really like the Dallas-Tampa deal and think it could work out well for both teams. Richards had no linemates (sorry Ouellet) and Holmqvist will be a fine backup to Turco on a team with a much better defense. Mike Smith definitely has the potential to be better than all the goalies Tampa has had since Khabibulin combined. Jokinen and Halpern are role players, but mainly they move salary, get a goalie, and keep Lecavlier and St. Louis. Sounds like a win-win.
As for Buffalo and Campbell...not so much. Sorry Michelle!
Posted by: Stache | February 26, 2008 07:24 PM
I think that Dan Boyle signing was the writing on the wall for that Richard's trade. Can't really disagree with you that it's a good deal both ways.
Buffalo for some reason doesn't want to pay to keep it's players. The Sabres are rapidly becoming the NHL's community farm team.
Posted by: Cap | February 26, 2008 07:37 PM