A San Jose Sharks Blog

First off, I like this trade. The Sharks have needed a defenseman who could move the puck up the ice to our big skilled forwards. I don't know how often I've seen our current defenseman curl back into our own zone because they were unable to move the puck and create a scoring chance on the transition. Granted, Craig Rivet has been having a decent year, but he definitely was in need of help.

On XM radio this morning, Jamie Baker, Rob Ray, and other analysts commented on the trade and they liked it as well...for both squads. It is always tough to lose a player, especially a young one with a lot of talent like Bernier, but you have to give something to get something. Besides, Steve hasn't been progressing in San Jose and that may be due to all of the talent that is already in place. Maybe the move to Buffalo will give him the opportunity to shine and become the young power forward that the Sabres are lacking.

Overall, the San Jose Sharks got the better end of this deal...big time. Especially if Wilson can find a way to re-sign Campbell before losing him over the summer.

Notes:
 - Campbell is a former Ottawa 67, so it's not shocking that GM Doug Wilson pick this defenseman to be his Number One.
 - The Chicago Blackhawks were in the running for Campbell's services, but obviously lost out to San Jose...I'm not sure what was offered.
 - The Buffalo Sabres had offered Campbell a 3-yr contract prior to the trade deadline, but apparently, it wasn't enough. As a result, Buffalo traded him to avoid losing him to free agency in the offseason for nothing...like they did with Drury and Briere.
 - Some depth is lost with Bernier gone, but Devin Setoguchi will make me forget about that pretty soon.
 - I don't like giving up 1st rounders, but if the Sharks go deep into the playoffs, then it would be a late one anyway. Moreover, whoever the Sabres get will probably be four or five years away from the NHL and the Sharks need help now.
 - When I heard about the trade, I was surprised to learn that Patrick Marleau wasn't a part of it.
 - Campbell spoke about the trade this morning and sounded very disappointed. Let's hope he's just a little emotional about leaving his buddies and that he gets over it soon.
 - On XM, a San Jose caller asked if Campbell can run a powerplay...he sure can and I'm excited about it.

*Update: Sabres also sent over a 2008 7th round pick to San Jose.