Sun, Feb 7, 2010 at 12:00am

WALLIN MOVED TO SHARKS

The San Jose Sharks acquired defenseman Niclas Wallin and a fifth-round draft pick in 2010 from the Carolina Hurricanes for a second-round draft pick in 2010.

What does it give the San Jose Sharks
Wallin gives the Sharks another proven playoff performer. He is a savvy veteran who provides stability and clutch play in his own end, and as a pending unrestricted free agent he may end up being a fairly inexpensive rental for San Jose's title push. Above all, Wallin solidifies the defense's lower pairings, which should help solve the revolving door they've had there for much of the season.

What does it give the Carolina Hurricanes
They'll likely miss Wallin's steady veteran presence, but with the 'Canes all but out of the playoffs they get a good draft pick here with the 2010 2nd-rounder (a selection that should become a talented prospect). It's also a minor salary dump of a player who's set for unrestricted free agency in the summer.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

San Jose Sharks

a fifth-round draft pick in 2010

Niclas Wallin D

Carolina Hurricanes

a second-round draft pick in 2010