Dan Boyle is awesome (and a Shark)

I say "Dan Boyle is awesome" because that tagline was a running joke between me and Cheechew and some of our mutual friends for a number of years. I've always thought Boyle was a great player and secretly wished the Sharks would acquire him somehow.

And now they have. For (allegedly) Matt Carle, a first rounder, a fourth rounder, and a prospect. Details will be worked out later and made official. The Sharks also get Brad Lukowich in return.

More later on the salary cap aspect of it. This, along with resigning Christian Ehrhoff and Ryane Clowe, will put the Sharks over their self-imposed budget but not to the cap. I imagine Kyle McLaren will be waived soon.

Update: Here's part of the salary-cap answer. Craig Rivet was just traded to Buffalo for two second-round picks.

Your defense is now Dan Boyle, Rob Blake, Christian Ehrhoff, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Douglas Murray, Brad Lukowich, Kyle McLaren.

Tonight on the History Channel: The Colonial Lockout

Happy Fourth, everyone! Stay safe and constitutional!

Oh, and here's something for our Canadian/non-patriot readers to talk about:

In return for the 31 year old veteran defenseman (Dan Boyle), its believed Tampa will receive a package that will include 23 old defenseman Matt Carle, a 1st round pick, a prospect and a 4th round pick.

Sources say defenseman Brad Lukowich is also part of the deal going to San Jose.

Present or Future? Carle or Redden?

If you believe TSN.ca (and I have no reason not to) Wade Redden was asked to waive his no-trade because the Sharks called and asked about his availability. Sources claim the offer was Matt Carle and a draft pick. Carle was just signed to a 4-year deal and has the potential to be ...well Wade Redden in about 3-4 years. Doug Wilson has not denied the interest in Redden and has not denied the trade offer. This trade would be similar to trading for Rivet last year. Trade for a veteran D-man who is scheduled to be an UFA after the season. DWilson is betting on getting Redden out of the media spotlight in Canada and once Redden sees California, he would be happy to re-sign after the season (and hopefully a long playoff run). Of course all of this is an ideal situation. The other option would be that Redden turns into Bill Guerin. Comes over in a trade, gets hurt/plays poorly and then leaves after the season to sign with another team, and Carle becomes the next Brian Leetch. It will be interesting to see how Carle plays now that he knows how close he was to being traded to another team.