The Hockey News: Headlines: Stars acquire D Darryl Sydor from Pittsburgh for D Philippe Boucher

Stars acquire D Darryl Sydor from Pittsburgh for D Philippe Boucher

2008-11-16 12:50:00

FRISCO, Tex. - Darryl Sydor is going back for a third stint with the Dallas Stars.

The Stars acquired the defenceman on Sunday from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenceman Philippe Boucher.

"Darryl is a proven veteran defenceman who brings a great deal of character and leadership abilities to our group," said Stars co-general manager Les Jackson in a release. "He is obviously a player we are very familiar with and we are excited to welcome him back to the Stars."

Sydor, 36, has a goal and an assist in eight games for Pittsburgh this season.

He collected one goal and 12 assists in 74 games with Pittsburgh last season.

The two-time Stanley Cup winner has 96 goals and 390 assists in 1,179 career NHL games with Los Angeles, Columbus, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and Dallas.

The 6-1, 211-pounder played for Dallas from 1995-2003 and again in the 2006-07 season.

Boucher has three assists in 15 games with Dallas this season.

The 35-year-old has amassed 91 goals and 203 assists in 723 career NHL games with Buffalo, Los Angeles and Dallas.

Boucher's best season came with the Stars in 2006-07, when he collected 19 goals and 32 assists.

"We thank Philippe Boucher for everything he's done for the Dallas Stars organization the last few years, and we wish him the best with the Penguins," Jackson said.

COMMENTS (11)

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SChastain Posted
(2009-04-30 07:20:16)

This isn't earth-shattering by any stretch, but it actually helps both teams. Boucher is an offensive defenseman and a solid point on the power play, something Dallas already has too many of and something Pitt is lacking with the injury to Gonchar. He had 19 goals a couple years ago and nearly all came from his power shot from the blue line. Sydor will bring a little D back to Dallas. He won't provide any offense, but has great chemistry with Zubov and is positionally sound in his own zone. Both are free agents after the season, so it isn't much of a gamble on either side.

Carrie Posted
(2009-04-30 07:20:16)

I am thrilled to have Syd back in Dallas!! I know he didn't want to leave in the first place and hasn't seemed happy with the Pens since the trade. Especially with the limited time he got in last year's cup run, who can blame him?!?! I think a change in situation will do Boucher good and I can't say I'm shocked he got traded. He is a great guy and a terrific player who will be missed.

Caz Posted
(2009-04-30 07:20:16)

According to an article on the Pens website a few weeks ago, Sydor had requested a trade because he was unhappy with his role. He was a healthy scratch even with Whitney and Gonchar out of the lineup. I think Shero wanted to wait until Whitney was ready to return and get a winger for Sydor instead. In the meantime, Boucher is a slight upgrade and brings a right handed shot to the point which the Pens are lacking. Once the blueline is healthy, look for Shero to move another blueliner for a winger.

Brink Posted
(2009-04-30 07:20:14)

On paper, this sounds like a steal for Pitt. Boucher is a solid defenseman.

Joe Posted
(2009-04-30 07:20:14)

We all like Syd, and are happy to have him...never wanted to lose him. But, that said.....we hate to see Boucher leave....he has given everything, every game, and injuries really hurt recently. So, good luck Philippe, and know that the fans in Texas really appreciated you, and wish you every good thing............

Penguins11 Posted
(2009-04-30 07:20:13)

Good trade for the pens, what with the long-term injuries to Gonch and Whitney they need a a half-decent veteran D-man on the back end.

Flyerfan52 Posted
(2009-04-30 07:20:12)

Trade wise, it's a wash. Even up for equal players. Sydor did seem to have his best years with Dallas. Maybe he's decided to hang'em up after this year and wants to do so as a Star.