SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Sharks acquired standout defenseman Dan Boyle from Tampa Bay on Friday, trading defenseman Matt Carle and top prospect Ty Wishart to the Lightning to acquire their second proven NHL defensive star in two days.

The Sharks, who received journeyman defenseman Brad Lukowich in the deal, also gave up a first-round pick in 2009 and a fourth-round choice in 2010. San Jose then made room for its new defensive talent by trading veteran defenseman Craig Rivet to Buffalo for two second-round draft picks.

San Jose lost defenseman Brian Campbell to Chicago on Tuesday in a lavish free-agent deal, but the Sharks quickly compensated for his departure.

On Thursday, the Sharks signed longtime Los Angeles Kings captain Rob Blake to a one-year, $5 million free-agent contract. With the addition of Boyle, who waived his no-trade clause to join San Jose, the club replaced Campbell’s passing skills with one of the NHL’s top puck-moving defensemen.

Boyle and Blake also have championships on their resume, with Boyle playing a significant role in Tampa Bay’s only Stanley Cup title in 2004.

Boyle and Blake will join Kyle McLaren, Christian Ehrhoff, Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Doug Murray in a defensive rotation that might be the Sharks’ strength next season under rookie coach Todd McLellan.

Boyle missed the first half of last season with a wrist injury from a freak locker-room accident, but returned to score 25 points in 37 games.

In February, Boyle signed a six-year, $40 million contract which begins in the upcoming season.

The Lightning’s new ownership group apparently was eager to rid itself of Boyle’s large contract, but San Jose has been well under the salary cap for most of the three seasons since the league instituted a spending limit.

Boyle was one of the NHL’s top defensemen in the 2006-07 season with 20 goals and 43 assists. His offensive acumen provides a solid counterpoint to Blake’s physical play.

Carle had two goals and 13 assists in 62 games last season, frequently getting benched by coach Ron Wilson.

Jagr signs with Russian team

MOSCOW – Jaromir Jagr signed with a Russian team a day after his split with the New York Rangers, leaving the NHL after nearly two decades and returning to the club he joined during the 2004-05 lockout.

The Russian League team Avangard Omsk announced the signing of the 36-year-old Czech winger on its Web site Friday.

“It was the toughest decision in my life, hockeywise. … No question about it. I hate making changes,” Jagr told The Canadian Press.

Jagr’s agent, Pat Brisson, confirmed the signing in an e-mail. He and Jagr, as well the team, wouldn’t comment on contract terms. However, the deal is believed to be for two years plus an option for a third, and will pay Jagr about $7 million tax free, the equivalent of about $11 million a season in the NHL.

“It was a very difficult but personal decision to make in light of the many NHL teams interested in his services,” Brisson said. “He is grateful to the NHL and especially the Rangers in recent years.”

Jagr enjoyed his experience in Omsk during the lockout.

“Don’t forget I’m from Europe,” Jagr told the CP. “Russia is nothing new for me. It’s close to the Czech Republic. It would be different for American or Canadian players. But for me, I enjoy it. The people love hockey and I had a great time out there.”

Pittsburgh, Edmonton and the Rangers are believed to have had the most interest in Jagr. All offered one-year deals.

“I want to thank all the teams that still believed in me and still made an offer,” Jagr said. “Edmonton was probably the biggest offer I got. It was a great offer, to be honest with you.”

Canucks acquire winger Bernier for draft picks

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The Canucks acquired right wing Steve Bernier from the Buffalo Sabres on Friday for a third-round pick in the 2009 NHL draft and a second-round selection in 2010.

Bernier was obtained by Buffalo at the trade deadline in February as part of the deal that sent All-Star defenseman Brian Campbell to San Jose. Bernier has averaged 15 goals in his first three NHL seasons and is a restricted free agent without a contract for next season.

“With his right-handed shot he will be a great addition to our top-six forward group and an asset to our power play,” Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said in statement.

Also Friday, the Sabres acquired defenseman Craig Rivet and a seventh-round draft pick from San Jose for a pair of second-round choices.

The 33-year-old Rivet had five goals and 35 points in 74 games for the Sharks last season. In 744 career games with Montreal and San Jose, he has 45 goals and 194 points.

Bernier learned about the deal while playing golf in his native Quebec City.

“When I got the call I was shocked,” Bernier said during a conference call while still on the golf course. “Right now, the only thing I am thinking about is getting in shape and having a chance to improve myself with the Vancouver Canucks.”

The 23-year-old Bernier had 16 goals and 32 points in 76 games with San Jose and Buffalo last season. He was selected by the Sharks in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2003 draft. He has 45 goals and 90 points in 177 career games.

Bernier earned a roster spot in San Jose with a strong rookie campaign but has progressed slower than expected. He reported to 2006 training camp out of shape, then underachieved last season before being traded.