Vernon Goes To Panthers

NHL teams

Florida sent right wing Radek Dvorak to San Jose for Vernon and a third-round draft pick in 2000. The Sharks then shipped Dvorak to New York for right wing Todd Harvey and a fourth-round choice in 2001.

The Panthers' need for a goaltender surfaced after Trevor Kidd dislocated his shoulder in a team skills competition and could miss another two months.

Vernon, who won the Stanley Cup with Calgary in 1989 and Detroit in 1997, has been shadowed this year by Steve Shields' stellar play in San Jose.

"Mike Vernon's record stands on its own," Florida general manager Bryan Murray said. "With Trevor Kidd out for a while, we wanted to give our team the best possible chance to make the playoffs and win some games once we are there.

"You hate to lose a promising young player like Radek Dvorak, but we felt that we needed strong goaltending to keep our team competitive for the rest of the season and in the playoffs."

Harvey, 24, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career and has never managed to play a full NHL season.

"Harvey has shown the ability to score goals and he brings a lot of energy, as well as showing the capacity to be a leader," said Sharks general manager Dean Lombardi. "It's a dimension we felt we had to add to this group in terms of making us better."