BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - The Buffalo Sabres acquired defenceman Toni Lydman from the Calgary Flames on Thursday in exchange for a third-round pick in next year's draft.
A native of Finland, Lydman had four goals and 16 assists in 67 games in 2003-04, but missed 10 games and part of the playoffs after sustaining a concussion. Two goals and 12 assists came on the power play.
The Sabres have been focused on bolstering their defensive ranks after losing Alexei Zhitnik to free agency. Buffalo signed veteran free-agent defenceman Teppo Numminen earlier this month.
Lydman has an opportunity to compete for one of the top four defensive spots, behind Numminen and returning veterans Jay McKee and Dmitri Kalinin.
Lydman's best season came in 2001-02, when he had six goals and 22 assists in 79 games, finishing second among Calgary defenceman with 28 points.
Calgary's fourth-round pick in the 1996 draft, Lydman has 19 goals, 74 assists for 93 points in 289 career NHL games.
Lydman played with HIFK Helsinki last season and, in 2004, represented Finland in the World Cup of Hockey tournament, registering three assists in six games.