Today the Tampa Bay Lightning traded veteran defenseman Eric Brewer to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a third round pick (Originally Edmonton’s pick (#60-#63)) in the 2015 draft.
Brewer, 35, is a veteran of 982 NHL games, scoring 74-190=264 points with 774 penalty minutes. A native of Vernon, British Columbia, Brewer is an Olympic gold medalist and captained the St. Louis Blues for three seasons from 2008-11. This season with Tampa Bay, Brewer collected 0-4=4 points with a +5 rating and 18 PIM in 17 games. Among team defensemen, he ranked tied for third in assists and plus/minutes, and second in PIM and hits (35). (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
Selected by the New York Islanders in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1997 NHL Draft, Brewer has played for the Islanders (1998-00), Edmonton (2000-04), St. Louis (2005-11) and Tampa Bay (2011-14). He was a 2003 NHL All-Star for the Oilers with career highs in goals, assists and points (8-21=29) in 80 games.
The 6-4, 216-pound defenseman has also represented Canada in numerous international events, including appearances at the World Championship in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, the World Junior Championship in 1998 and the World Cup in 2004. Along with a 2002 Olympic gold medal, Brewer also won three gold medals at the World Championship and gold at the World Cup.
Tampa Bay now have the Ducks 3rd, 4th, and 7th round picks in the 2015 draft.
According to beat writer Joe Smith, Brewer had a conversation with GM Steve Yzerman a few days ago. Brewer said he wanted to play and that he would waive his no-trade clause if he could be moved. Yzerman said Brewer didn’t ask to be traded. But Steve reached out to Brewer earlier this week, then explored options. The trade works for both.
A roster move was going to have be made when Victor Hedman is activated, this clears a spot for Hedman and leaves the Bolts with 14 forwards and 7 defensemen. Vladislav Namestnikov, Nikita Kucherov and Cedric Paquette were the only three players who could have been sent back to the AHL without waivers and now all will remain with the Bolts. Well deserved for sure.
According to Capgeek.com, the Lightning can add an AAV of $8.7 million today and potentially $11.5 million at the trade deadline. The Bolts may look tosign another defemseman, depending on the play of Mark Barberio.
The Lightning retained 26% of Brewer’s salary/cap hit in the trade.
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