The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have acquired 6'0", 205-pound defenseman Matt Carle and the San Jose Sharks' third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Steve Eminger, Steve Downie and Tampa Bay's fourth round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, according to club General Manager Paul Holmgren.

"Matt Carle is a good young defenseman and we are thrilled to add a player with his abilities to our roster," said Holmgren in making the announcement. "He will add skill and speed to our lineup and should fit in great with our team."

"I also would like to thank Steve Eminger and Steve Downie for their professionalism as players here and we wish them nothing but the best in the future."

Carle, 24, recorded a goal and an assist for two points and six penalty minutes in 12 games for the Lightning this season. He is second on the team in blocked shots (27) and third on the team in average time on ice (21:57 minutes per game). He was acquired by the Lightning, along with Ty Wishart, a first round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and a fourth round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, from San Jose in exchange for Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich on July 4, 2008.

In 163 career NHL regular season games over the last four seasons (2005-06 through 2008-09), Carle has registered 17 goals and 48 assists for 65 points and 76 penalty minutes. Prior to joining the Lightning, Carle posted 63 points (16G,47A) and 70 penalty minutes in 151 games for the Sharks over three seasons (2005-06 through 2007-08). He has also appeared in 33 career NHL playoff games over the last three seasons, recording two goals and seven assists for nine points and eight penalty minutes.

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