The Dallas Stars announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Darryl Sydor from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Philippe Boucher.

"Darryl is a proven veteran defenseman who brings a great deal of character and leadership abilities to our group," said Co-General Manager Les Jackson. "He is obviously a player we are very familiar with and we are excited to welcome him back to the Stars. On the other side of the coin, we thank Philippe Boucher for everything he’s done for the Dallas Stars organization the last few years, and we wish him the best with the Penguins."

>> team release

A very nice pickup for the Penguins, provided Boucher can find his game again. He's been fine defensively but has only three assists in 16 games this season. Boucher played only 38 games last seasons due to shoulder surgery.

Sydor, meanwhile, has been a bit part for Pittsburgh for a while now, and at 36 has only played eight games this season in a depth role. He has a long history with the Stars organization, and that's likely why they make the move, but the Penguins get the best player in this deal.

Both players make $2.5-million this season and will be UFAs in July. Boucher's a year younger at 35 but has battled injuries far more than Sydor in his career.

UPDATE Here's Mark Stepneski over at Andrew's Dallas Stars Page:

"I don’t think this is a bad deal for the Stars. It doesn’t really help on the cap because Boucher and Sydor are both making the same amount, but the change of scenery might do both players good. Sydor was in the doghouse in Pittsburgh for what ever reason. He wasn’t playing much and he comes to a team he knows well and the team knows him. There should be a comfort level here for Sydor. He’s a leadership guy and a heart and soul guy and this team could use that right now considering the start they’ve had. He’s still a good player. Not the overall player he was five years ago, but still a good, smart defender who can clean up stuff around the net."

Mark doesn't see this as much of big deal, although I think it's worth noting that the Stars are subtracting a player that logged considerable minutes and really wasn't a defensive liability this season. Boucher led all Dallas defenders in goals against per minute at 5-on-5 this season (although they've certainly kept him away from top opposition).

Frank at Pensburgh, meanwhile, likes the move given how little Sydor was contibuting under Michel Therrien.