RDS: Penguins deal Sydor - 11-16-08

RDS is reporting the Penguins have dealt defenseman Darryl Sydor (right) to the Stars for Philippe Boucher who is also a defenseman. Each player is in the final year of $2.5 million deals.

EN Says: Boucher's a right-handed shot which is definitely a luxury for the Penguins but he's been part of a weak defensive corp for the Stars this season. While dealing Sydor prevents any potential locker room issues, it almost seems like a lateral move for each team on paper at least.

Boucher reached double-digit figures in goal in 2005-06 and 2006-07 but was limited to 38 games last season due to injuries. He was selected to the All-Star game in 2006-07.

He has a nice point shot and has a fairly decent all-around game, but is prone to inconsistency and isn't all that physical despite his large frame (6-foot-3, 218 pounds). He is 12th in the NHL this season with 39 blocked shots. He was third on Dallas with an average of 21:43 of ice time.

Boucher was a healthy scratch last night in Dallas' 3-2 win against the Coyotes. Of the scratch, Tracy Myers or the Fort Worth Star Telegram said:

"Another message sent (I believe): Philippe Boucher's healthy scratch. He just hasn't been where he needs to be so far this season, and it led to his sitting. I know Matt Niskanen hasn't been so great this year either, but I believe Tippett's wanting to send messages to longtime players, not sophomores."

Sydor wasn't playing for a team missing it's two best offensive defenseman and he definitely would be less likely to get any ice time with their returns. He's shown ability to provide solid, steady play off the bench. This move benefits him in that he goes to a team that could use some help on the blue line. Sydor is familiar with Dallas as he has spent parts of nine seasons there.

We'll have a "eulogy" for Sydor on Monday.

UPDATE: Dallas co-general managers Les Jackson and Brett Hull talked to the Fort Worth Star Telegram:

"I think it’s a good situation for Boucher. He's been a good player and a great guy for us. He wants to find another contract next year, and I think the change is going to do him well. With the loss of (Mattias) Norstrom last year, we need that calming factor back there (with Sydor)." - Jackson

"Both needed a change, and I think it works for both teams. We hope Syd comes in and does what he does best, which is lead by example on and off the ice. He stabilizes our room. His relationships go from Mike (Modano) to (Sergei Zubov) right through. You hate to lose a guy like Bouch, but it's the nature of the beast with how we were going." - Hull

(Kudos to The Pensblog for the heads up.)

(Photo: Harry How/Getty Images)