Rivet traded to Buffalo

North Bay's Craig Rivet is moving closer to home as the San Jose Sharks defenceman moves back to the Eastern Conference after being traded to Buffalo Friday afternoon.

The Sharks sent Rivet and a 7th round selection in 2010 to the Sabres in exchange for 2nd round picks in 2009 and 2010.

The Sharks blueline has been dismantled since being defeated in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs by the Dallas Stars.

The Sharks let Brian Campbell get away in free agency and then signed free agent Rob Blake this week and then made a deal with Tampa Bay that brings in defenceman Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich.

"We are very excited to add such a quality veteran player to our roster," Sabres GM Darcy Regier said in a statement.

"He is a great character player that will provide our club added leadership and experience."

Rivet recorded five goals and 30 assists in 74 regular season games in 2007-08.

Rivet was originally selected by the Montreal Canadiens, 68th overall in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft and played for the club for 12 seasons before being traded to the Sharks in 2007.

Rivet has registered 45 goals and 149 assists in 744 regular-season NHL games.