Sharks Acquire Huskins

San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President Doug Wilson announced Wednesday the team has acquired winger Travis Moen (4 goals, 7 assists) and former Clarkson defenseman Kent Huskins (2 goals, four assists) from Anaheim in exchange for prospects Timo Pielmeier and Nick Bonino. Both new Sharks have won Stanley Cups.

“They fill a role on this hockey team,” said Wilson. “They know the division and the conference and understand that it’s team first. We looked at both for quite a while. This team and the coaching staff deserve to have these players added.”

Both players are unrestricted free agents this summer. Wilson feels that Moen and Huskins will provide some sandpaper to the Sharks game when they are ready.

“Moen has the ability to be physical and a stopper playing in all situations,” said Wilson. “To me, he’s a coach’s type of player. He scored seven goals in their run to the Cup. He’s got size and can kill penalties.”

The best aspect of the trade remains that San Jose started the day in first place in the NHL and improved their team without surrendering a roster player.

“To add to this team without taking anything off is key,” said Wilson. “It doesn’t create another hole.”

It was a bit surprising that the two division rivals made such a deal.

“It had to be fair to both teams,” said Wilson.

The Sharks were able to give up the young prospects because of depth in both positions in the farm system.

“With Sexsmith, Stalock, Dakers and Greiss, we have extra depth in goal,” said Wilson.

The Sharks were close to the NHL’s payroll limits, but were able to be under the NHL number with injuries to other players.

San Jose now has eight NHL defensemen on the roster, but there are no concerns about who will play and how much.

“There will be enough ice time for everyone in the playoffs,” said Wilson. “You need eight to nine defensemen in the playoffs,” said Wilson. “It is no different with the forwards.”

“Between the eight, each brings something different individually,” said Sharks Head Coach Todd McLellan. “It will depend on the type of game (with regards to) who will be playing. It creates some internal competition that we haven’t had for a while because of injuries.”

With the changes today and health coming down the road, Wilson is excited about his club’s chances in the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“There are a couple of little things that just need to be tweaked,” said Wilson. “Todd gave them a mental break today (with a day off).”

Moen will wear number 24 and Huskins will don 40.