Wild Acquire Forward Staubitz from Sharks

The Minnesota Wild announced today that they have acquired right wing Brad Staubitz from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. He is eligible to become a restricted free agent on July 1. In 47 games last season with the Sharks, Staubitz had three goals and three assists for six points and 110 penalty minutes. He missed 19 games with a facial injury. Not a bad move for the Wild, as Staubitz plays with lots of toughness and is a very physical forward. Plus, he's a very versatile player, as he can play both the wing and defense. Staubitz had really fallen off the depth chart in San Jose and was a healthy scratch at times last season, so it comes as no surprise that they traded him. By landing in Minnesota, he will likely become their new enforcer, which means that current enforcer Derek Boogaard, who is an unrestricted free agent on July 1, is likely headed for the open market.