Sharks shore up defense, get Boyle in trade with Lightning

"We've got a group of our key guys coming into their prime ... (but) we didn't play well in the playoffs," Wilson said. "We were not going to sit back and just hope things are going to change. We had to go out and make change. Getting people who have been there and won it and played at very high levels is very important."

Boyle, Blake and Lukowich all have championships on their resume. Boyle and Lukowich were defensive partners on Tampa Bay's only Stanley Cup title team in 2004, and Lukowich also won a ring as a rookie with Dallas in 1999.

Lukowich, a 10-year NHL veteran joining his fifth team, had one goal and six assists during 59 games in his return to Tampa Bay. Wilson emphasized the importance of getting the hard-nosed, shot-blocking specialist in the deal.

"The West is a little bit more rough and tough, so I think it's a good fit for me," Lukowich said. "Being on different (championship) teams and seeing how it's done, it just gives you more awareness of what it takes to win. If I can bring that knowledge from getting passed around the league to get (San Jose) over that little bubble, that's a start for me."

Carle had two goals and 13 assists in 62 games last season while frequently getting benched. He won the Hobey Baker Award at Denver University as the NCAA's top hockey player, but hasn't yet starred in the NHL.

The deal's most painful component for the Sharks is the loss of Wishart, a first-round draft pick two years ago. He finished up his junior hockey career last spring and played five games with the Sharks' top minor-league affiliate.