Sunrise, FL (My Sportsbook) - The Florida Panthers did make a trade involving a defenseman on Wednesday, however, it didn't involve Jay Bouwmeester. Instead, they acquired defenseman Steve Eminger from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Noah Welch and a third-round pick in the 2009 draft.

This marks the third time Eminger has been traded since the end of last season. He was dealt to Philadelphia from Washington in a 2008 draft-day deal and posted two assists in 12 games with the Flyers before being traded to Tampa Bay along with Steve Downie for Matt Carle in early November.

The 25-year-old recorded four goals and 19 assists in 50 games with the Lightning. In 274 career games with Washington, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay, Eminger has notched 10 goals, 58 assists and 265 penalty minutes.

The 26-year-old Welch has skated in 23 games this season, posting a goal and an assist in addition to 11 penalty minutes. He has totaled four goals, five assists and 44 penalty minutes in 56 career games with Pittsburgh and Florida.

Welch was a second-round pick by the Penguins in 2001.