Sharks Acquire Defenseman Wallin from Hurricanes

The San Jose Sharks announced today that they have acquired defenseman Niclas Wallin and a fifth round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a second round pick in 2010 that originally belonged to the Buffalo Sabres. The Sharks originally acquired Buffalo's second round pick during the summer of 2008 when they traded defenseman Craig Rivet to the Sabres. In 47 games with the Hurricanes this season, Wallin has five assists. In 517 career NHL games, all with the Hurricanes, he has 18 goals and 51 assists for 69 points. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Not a bad depth move for the Sharks on defense, as Marc-Edouard Vlasic is currently sidelined with a lower body injury. Wallin brings defensive depth and a physical presence to the team's third defensive pairing, as well as a wealth of playoff experience. He helped the Hurricanes reach the Stanley Cup finals in 2002 and 2006, while winning the Stanley Cup in 2006. Only time will tell, though, if Wallin's experience can help the Sharks advance deep in the playoffs, as they haven't had much success in getting past the semifinals.