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Richards, Campbell deals highlight busy trade day

The Dallas Stars got a playoff boost, San Jose won the Brian Campbell sweepstakes and Colorado turned back the clock in a busy day of National Hockey League trades on Tuesday.

There were 25 trades on the NHL's trading deadline, involving 45 players who must now blend into new teams in unfamiliar cities.

The Dallas Stars appeared to be one of the biggest winners by acquiring Canadian star Brad Richards from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Lightning receive left wing Jussi Jokinen, center Jeff Halpern and goaltender Mike Smith in exchange for Richards, who won a Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay in 2004 and was also named most valuable player of the post-season.

In addition to Richards, the Stars obtained netminder Johan Holmqvist to serve as the backup to Marty Turco. Tampa Bay also received a fourth-round pick for next year in the deal.

Selected in the third round of the 1998 draft, Richards was coveted by a number of teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets.

The 27-year-old center, who had a no-trade clause in his contract, recently was asked by the Lightning to submit a list of teams to which he would be willing to go.

"I just know [Dallas is] a really good organization," Richards told Canadian sports network TSN. "They have a chance to win now. There are some great players there that I'll get a chance to play with. There's a lot of stability in that organization."

San Jose restocked by acquiring one of the most coveted defenseman in Campbell from the Buffalo Sabres. In exchange for the two-time all-star, San Jose sent right wing Steve Bernier and a first-round pick to Buffalo this year. The Sharks also obtained a seventh-round pick this year in the deal.

Unable to come to terms on a new contract with Campbell, who can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, the Sabres had no choice but to trade him.

Last summer, the club lost stars Daniel Briere and Chris Drury to free agency.

"I'm still trying to let it sink in a little bit," Campbell said. "It's unfortunate that we couldn't come to something and get something done. It didn't surprise me. You have to look out for number one and have to do that as much as possible."

Campbell had spent his entire eight-year career with the Sabres. In 63 games this season, the Canadian has registered five goals and 38 assists.

The Colorado Avalanche added toughness by luring back Adam Foote.

The Washington Capitals restocked by acquiring France's Cristobal Huet from the Montreal Canadiens for a second-round draft pick next year.
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