Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle has waived his no trade clause and agreed to a move to the Sharks. A conference call with the teams and the league is the last step to getting a deal done.

"Yes," Boyle's agent George Bazos said. "That's the way we're going. We went through the whole process and picked a place he's very happy to be. If the Lightning can go ahead and consummate a trade, then Dan is very happy with that."

The Sharks were desperate for a puck-moving defenseman after losing Brian Campbell to free agency, and yesterday signed Rob Blake to a one-year, $5-million deal. It was unclear if the Sharks and Lightning have a deal in place, but it is speculated any trade could include Matthew Carle, 23, who stumbled last season but had 11 goals and 46 points in 2006-07.

Canada's TSN confirmed Carle is indeed part of the deal that also includes Lightning defenseman Brad Lukowich. Tampa Bay also should get a first- and a fourth-round draft pick.

[Dirk Shadd, Times files]