Defenseman Dennis Wideman, the fifteenth overall pick in the upcoming 2010 draft, and another soon to be determined, draft pick have been traded to the Florida Panthers for Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell.
Wideman played four seasons in Boston. He put up his best offensive numbers in 2008-2009 when he scored 13 goals and assisted on 37 others for 50 points. The 2009-2010 season was a disappointing one for Wideman as he posted just 6 goals and 24 assists for 30 points, however, he rebounded in the Stanley Cup Playoffs by leading the team in scoring with 13 points and was a solid defender in both series against Buffalo and Philadelphia. He takes career totals of 378 games, 46 goals, 119 assists, 165 points to South Florida. He has also contributed 1 goal and 21 assists for 22 points in 30 playoff games. Wideman has played for Boston and St. Louis during his NHL career.
Nathan Horton is entering his seventh NHL season after being the 3rd overall selection, by the Panthers, in the 2003 NHL draft. A smooth skating forward, who likes to use all of his 6’2″, 230lbs. to win battles in the corners and in front of the net, has scored 142 goals and 153 assists for 295 points in 422 games with the Panthers. One negative, not entirely of his doing, is that Horton has no Stanley Cup playoff experience as Florida has not made the playoffs during his tenure there.
Gregory Campbell was drafted by Florida with the 67th overall selection in 2002. In 363 NHL games, he has scored 29 goals and 56 assists for a total of 85 points. The 6 foot, 200lbs, forward knows how to play it tough, attested to by his 312 penalty minutes in those 363 games.
The Bruins may not be done dealing yet. They have been talking to San Jose, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia, regarding a deal involving goaltender Tim Thomas. Reportedly, Thomas has waived his no trade clause and would like to go to Tampa to re-join former University of Vermont teammate Martin St. Louis.