Matt Carle Traded to Flyers, Briere To Play Tomorrow

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have acquired 6’0”, 205-pound defenseman Matt Carle and the San Jose Sharks’ third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from the Tampa Bay Lightning, in exchange for Steve Eminger, Steve Downie and Tampa Bay’s fourth round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, according to club General Manager Paul Holmgren. (Philadelphiaflyers.com)

This comes the day after Steve Eminger's horrific display in last night's loss to Ottawa, and a week after Steve Downie's demotion to the Phantoms for the second time. I will have more on this trade later.

Steve Downie was more expected than Eminger because he has been more or less a bust since being drafted in the first round in 2005. His time with the Flyers has included numerous trips to the doghouse from Coach John Stevens, less and less ice time, and a suspension from the league.

Eminger, who has been somewhat of a disappointment really looked like trade bait after last night's forgettable loss against the Senators also gets sent packing to Tampa Bay.

Carle, 24, recorded a goal and an assist for two points and six penalty minutes in 12 games for the Lightning this season. He is second on the team in blocked shots (27) and third on the team in average time on ice (21:57 minutes per game).

He was acquired by the Lightning, along with Ty Wishart, a first round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and a fourth round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, from San Jose in exchange for Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich on July 4, 2008.

In 163 career NHL regular season games over the last four seasons (2005-06 through 2008-09), Carle has registered 17 goals and 48 assists for 65 points and 76 penalty minutes.

Prior to joining the Lightning, Carle posted 63 points (16G, 47A) and 70 penalty minutes in 151 games for the Sharks over three seasons (2005-06 through 2007-08). He has also appeared in 33 career NHL playoff games over the last three seasons, recording two goals and seven assists for nine points and eight penalty minutes. (Flyers.nhl.com)

"Matt Carle is a good young defenseman and we are thrilled to add a player with his abilities to our roster,” said Holmgren in making the announcement. “He will add skill and speed to our lineup and should fit in great with our team.”

Only time will tell if this trade lights a spark for this team, which will start tomorrow when Carle most likely will play against his now former team, the bolts.

Lastly, Daniel Briere who was scheduled to miss three to four weeks after tearing an abdominal muscle will actually be making an early return. Briere will be in the lineup tomorrow night to try and help this team get back to their winning ways.