Feb 6, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild assistant coach Darryl Sydor talks to forward Zach Parise (11) and forward Mikael Granlund (64) against the Nashville Predators at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Predators 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
40. Tampa Bay Lightning Trades For Darryl Sydor
Date: January 27, 2004
Now, he is coaching in the National Hockey League as an assistant for the Minnesota Wild. Back in 2004, he was a key cog in the run for the Stanley Cup, and his addition during the year may have made the blue line just strong enough to win the cup that year.
Sydor was dealt to the Lightning along with a 4th round pick for Alexander Svitov and a 3rd round pick. The deal was made with the Dallas Stars, and the veteran would quickly make an impact on the young Lightning blue line.
Already a Stanley Cup Champion with the Stars back in 1999, Sydor brought that experience to the Lightning locker room and quickly became one of the team’s leaders. The top-four defenseman that the team desperately needed, Sydor was the last ingredient the Lightning needed on what already was a very talented team.
If it were not for the addition of Sydor to the Lightning defense group, who knows what would have happened. It enabled players like Nolan Pratt and Jasen Cullimore to play better down the stretch with reduced ice time and give young defenseman Pavel Kubina a partner on the ice. Though he will always be remembered for his time with the Dallas Stars, the Darryl Sydore addition to the Lightning roster back in 2004 remains one of the most underrated moves in team history.
Next: Lightning Trade For Boyle