DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche acquired defenceman Ruslan Salei from the Florida Panthers on Tuesday for defenceman Karlis Skrastins and a 2008 third-round draft pick.
"Ruslan Salei gives our club a solid and reliable asset on the blue-line," said Avalanche GM Francois Giguere. "We feel he can assume a major role within our defensive corps and provide some added stability in that area."
Salei, 33, recorded 23 points (3-20) in 65 games with the Panthers this season. In 741 career regular season games with Florida and Anaheim, Salei has 160 points (35-125) and has averaged over 23 minutes of ice time per game.
Skrastins, 33, has four points (1-3) in 43 games this season. He has 96 points (22-74) In 582 career regular season games with Colorado and Nashville.