Thrashers Deal Sterling, Vernace to Sharks

The Atlanta Thrashers have announced that they have traded left wing Breet Sterling, defenseman Michael Vernace, and a seventh round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for future considerations. This trade was facilitated in order for the Thrashers to get under 50 NHL contracts in order to complete the Dustin Byfuglien trade with Chicago. Sterling is eligible for unrestricted free agency and Vernace for restricted free agency on July 1. Not much to say about this trade other than it was done to help the Thrashers complete their trade with the Blackhawks. It remains to be seen if the Sharks will give Vernace a qualifying offer or attempt to sign Sterling.