The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded defenseman Steve Eminger to the Florida Panthers for defenseman Noah Welch and a 2009 third-round draft pick.
Eminger, 25, has registered four goals and 21 assists for 25 points in 62 games with the Lightning and Philadelphia Flyers this season.
In 274 career NHL games, Eminger has accumulated 10 goals and 58 assists for 68 points, with 265 penalty minutes. He was originally drafted 12th overall by the Washington Capitals in 2002.
Welch, 26, has played in a career high 23 games with the Panthers this season, recording a goal and two points. He has played in 56 career NHL games with Florida and the Pittsburgh Penguins, recording four goals and nine points with an even rating.
The native of Brighton, Massachusetts, was selected by Pittsburgh in the second round, 54th overall, at the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
