Buffalo, NY (Best E Casino) - The Buffalo Sabres have acquired defenseman Craig Rivet and a 2010 seventh-round draft pick from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for second-round picks in 2009 and 2010.

The Sabres dealt restricted free agent forward Steve Bernier to the Vancouver Canucks for a pair of draft picks earlier Friday.

Rivet, 33, notched five goals and a career-high 30 assists in 74 games last season with the Sharks. The 35 points was also a career-high for the veteran rearguard.

He is expected to help fill the void caused by the departure of Dmitri Kalinin, who signed with the New York Rangers on Thursday.

"We are very excited to add such a quality veteran player to our roster," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. "He is a great character player that will provide our club added leadership and experience."

Originally selected by Montreal in the third round (68th overall) of the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, Rivet has 45 goals and 149 assists in 744 career games with the Canadiens and Sharks.