General manager Doug Wilson has reshaped the team's defense.
After watching Brian Campbell walk, Wilson first signed free-agent Rob Blake to a one-year deal, then made a bold move in dealing Hobey Baker winner Matt Carle, first-round pick Ty Wishart and two picks in the 2009 draft to Tampa Bay in exchange for veteran blueliners Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich.
Boyle, 32, waived a no-trade clause in his recently-signed long-term contract to help make the deal happen. He's viewed as one of the league's premiere offensive threats from the blue line.
Boyle was limited to 37 games last season due to injury, a season after finishing fourth in defense scoring with 20 goals and 63 points. Boyle will be looked upon to quarterback the San Jose power play.
"Dan is one of the elite offensive-minded defensemen in the league today," 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."
Lukowich, 31, is a stay-at-home defenseman. He scored one goal and seven points in 59 games with the Lightning last season. He led the team with 153 hits and his 108 blocked shots were third best on the team.
To make room under the salary cap for the two former Lightning, Wilson dealt veteran defenseman Craig Rivet, 33, and a draft pick to Buffalo in exchange for second-round picks in each of the next two drafts.
"Under the cap system, difficult decisions have to be made and this is one of them," Wilson said. "Craig is a true professional and we would like to thank him for everything that he has done here."
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
Campbell is gone, Rivet was traded, Carle was traded...Why on gods green earth would they trade Carle for older - and what looks like - less effective defensemen? Are they sick of the inconsistency back there from the young guys cause they signed Rob Blake too who is not young by any standards. Are they trying to turn
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