Sharks Acquire All-Star Brian Campbell

[Thrillhouse]

San Joe Sharks Executive Vice President Doug Wilson struck for the first major deal at the deadline when he snagged All-Star defenseman Brian Campbell from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Steve Bernier and a first round pick.

Campbell, 28, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has twice been named to the NHL All-Star game and has scored 40 or more points from the backend for three straight seasons.

“Brian’s a guy that gets the puck out of your zone quick,” said Wilson. “He’s a quarterback on the power play and he will complement our group really well.”

In 2007-08, Campbell has 43 points (5 goals, 38 assists) in 63 games and is third among NHL blueliners in assists and seventh in points. In 2006-07, Campbell set a career high with 48 points and a +28 plus/minus rating.

“I’m obviously excited,” said Campbell. “I talked to Doug Wilson and he seems excited"

In the past two seasons, Campbell has played an amazing 34 playoff games and posted 13 points.

Campbell has been highly decorated throughout his career and was an All-Star at the World Junior tournament in 1999, a Major Junior First All-Star Team member and Canadian Major Junior Player of the Year in 1999.

Campbell is familiar with several players on the Sharks roster.

“I played with Curtis Brown and Mike Grier in Buffalo,” said Campbell. “I’ve played summer hockey with Joe Thornton since the age of seven or eight.”

Wilson did wish good luck to Bernier who had spend the past three seasons with San Jose.

“We wish Steve the best,” said Wilson. “He’s worked really hard for us and we think he will go on and have a tremendous career.”

[Habs Fan 1987]

Steve Bernier is likely a part of the package.

[jkidd]

Damn it. I would have loved for the Wild to pick him up, as we desperately need someone on the blue line we can rely on, aside from Nicky and Burns.

[DaleHunter32]

the guy is pretty good offesive d-man




even for a read head

interested to see who's headed to buffalo

[FlagsFan]

San Jose Sharks just got a legitimate piece for a cup run.

[kwnger1371]

They have to have something big coming to the Sabres as well though. I could see Bernier and someone else and a pick.

[ikogan]

Matt Carle was probably traded.

[FlyersEnforcer]

Listening to the deadline heard them bring up Campbell, I was hoping it was to Philly.

[jayc948]

I guess this means Rob Blake isn't going to San Jose now.

[FightingIsGood]

And of course, Ray Shero lets him slip right through his fingers.

[FlyersEnforcer]

Originally Posted by jayc948

I guess this means Rob Blake isn't going to San Jose now.

Rob wouldn't wave his NTC for San Jose.

[JoshGrattonFan]

I guess this means Rob Blake isn't going to San Jose now.

They were saying Blake refused that deal and will only accept one to Colorado.

[jayc948]

Originally Posted by FlyersEnforcer

Rob wouldn't wave his NTC for San Jose.

Ah, I didn't know the Sharks were removed from the list.

[FlagsFan]

Steve Bernier and a 1st round pick.

[Habs Fan 1987]

The Sabres get Steve Bernier and a first rounder.