SHARKSPAGE

San Jose Sharks acquire defenseman Ian White from Carolina for 2012 2nd round draft pick, trade Derek Joslin to Huricanes for future considerations

5-FOOT-10, 195-POUND DEFENSEMAN IAN WHITE ACQUIRED FROM CAROLINA

The San Jose Sharks bolstered the blueline today with the acquisition of 5-foot-10, 195-pound offensive defenseman Ian White from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2012 2nd round draft pick. “We think Ian is a great fit for our club, based on his abilities, style of play and his age,” San Jose Sharks GM/EVP Doug Wilson said of White via a press release. “He’s a great competitor who is responsible in his own end. He moves the puck well, can play on the power play and we like his right-handed shot.”

The 27-year old played 4 and a half seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs before he was part of a blockbuster trade that sent fellow Shark Jamal Mayers, Niklas Hagman and Matt Stajan to Calgary for Dion Phaneuf, Fredrik Sjostrom and prospect Keith Aulie. He registered a career high 13 goals and 25 assists in 83 games played for Toronto and Calgary that season. After signing a 1 year, $2.9M contract with the Flames in the offseason, White and Brett Sutter were traded to Carolina in November for Tom Kostopoulos and Anton Babchuk. Held out of Wednesday’s Hurricanes game at New Jersey, White practiced with Carolina this morning before learning of the trade.

In the short term, White will spark a Sharks transition game that has not fully rebounded after the departure of Rob Blake. Dan Boyle and Jason Demers have developed into a formidable one-two offensive defenseman combination, but White could afford the Sharks the ability to have a puck moving element on all three defensive pairs. It also might allow the Sharks to experiment more with White on the point on the power play, allowing Pavelski to play more up front. Toronto Globe and Mail reporter James Mirtle noted that in Toronto, White was a “smart player, good with the puck.” He also added that as long as he is not overworked, he could be a solid #4 or #5 dman.

“I feel like I’m coming to one of the best teams in the league,” White told Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News. Describing his style of play, White noted, “I’m a versatile player. I really try to take care of the defensive side of things first, but I can contribute offensively and play special teams.”

Defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic suffered an undisclosed upper body injury early in the first period of Thursday night’s win over Washington. After the game, head coach Todd McLellan said that his injury would be re-evaluated today. According to Emmons, Vlasic said of his injury that it was “not terribly serious.” Ian White’s $2,995M 2010-11 salary will cause some adjustments for GM Doug Wilson. With the team tight against the salary cap, recently called up defenseman Nick Petrecki and forward Tommy Wingels were sent back down to the AHL. Forward Benn Ferriero and defenseman Matt Irwin were called up this afternoon. Defenseman Jason Demers was assigned to San Jose’s ECHL affiliate in Stockton, but he could return for Saturday night’s contest against a severly depleted Colorado Avalanche roster. With all of the roster juggling, a player may still have to be moved or assigned to fit under the $59.4M NHL salary cap.

Longtime defensive prospect Derek Joslin was also sent to Carolina earlier today in a seperate trade for future considerations. “Derek is a young defenseman who will add depth to our organization. He shows a good skill level and plays a solid two-way game,” Carolina Hurricanes President/GM said of the trade. A puck moving blueliner who exhibited polish defensively when frequently called up to San Jose, Joslin could develop into a solid 5th or 6th defenseman in Carolina if given the ice time. In 53 NHL games played with San Jose, the Ontario native registered 1 goal and 6 assists. Joslin was seated in the press box Thursday night for the game against Washington.

“This will give him the opportunity to go play,” Doug Wison told SJsharks.com about trading Joslin. “Sometimes when you do the right thing, it comes back to benefit you.” Joslin took a similar tone when discussing the trade from the only NHL organization he has played for. “It is going to be tough to leave some of the boys. I have been with some of these guys since 2005, my first training camp. It is a business… it is a part of the game,” Joslin said. He also had compliments for the Sharks organization. “San Jose is a top notch organization, I know everyone says it but it really is. I am going to have a soft spot because it is where I was drafted, and where I learned so much.”

This is the third trade the Sharks have made in recent weeks. On February 9th, San Jose traded Steven Zalewski and Worcester Sharks captain Jay Leach to New Jersey for RW Patrick Davis and C Mike Swift. According Worcester Sharks writer Mike Barba, Swift’s agitating and agressive play could help the AHL team make a stretch run to qualify for the playoffs. On January 18th the Sharks traded a 2011 5th round draft pick to Atlanta to acquire Ben Eager, and picked up Kyle Wellwood on the waiver wire. Both moves strengthened the Sharks forward corps, and White could have a similar affect on the blueline. The Sharks previously traded with the Carolina Hurricanes in February of 2010, acquiring current blueliner Niclas Wallin.

[Update] Moves, Moves, and More Moves – Mark Emmons for the Working the Corners blog.

[Update2] Surging Sharks finally add defenseman, acquire Ian White from Carolina – Fear the Fin.

[Update3] White’s status still up in the air – Carolina Hurricanes Canes Now blog.

[Update4] Sharks GM, White Discuss Acquisition, Puck-Moving Defenseman Will Arrive In San Jose On Saturday – SJsharks.com.

Not only is White an adept puck mover, he’s a strong shot from the right side who can compliment Dan Boyle on the power play if Coach Todd McLellan chooses to use him that way.

“We’ve been looking to identify right shot defensemen that can move pucks and help on the power play,” Wilson said. “The Ian White deal is something we’ve been looking at for a while. There aren’t many right shot defensemen out there. He’s 26 years of age. It’s like looking for left handed pitching. Those guys seem to be few and far between.”

White would definitely take the power play time if it comes his way. “That would be outstanding. I’m used to doing that throughout junior and into my professional career,” White, who will wear No. 9, said. “I’ll be excited to help out if I can.”

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