Avalanche Acquire Yelle, Reed from Hurricanes for Lalonde-McNicoll

The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have acquired centers Stephane Yelle and Harrison Reed from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for center Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll and a sixth round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. This will mark Yelle’s second stint with the Avalanche, having previously played there from 1995 to 2002. In 59 games this season with the Hurricanes, Yelle has four goals and three assists for seven points. In 980 career games with the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Boston Bruins, and Carolina Hurricanes, he has 96 goals and 168 assists for 264 points. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Both Reed and Lalonde-McNicoll have yet to play in an NHL game. Not a bad move for both teams, as Yelle will bring lots of leadership and veteran depth to the Avalanche. He will also bring lots of skill to their penalty kill units. Reed could become a decent checking line forward for the Avalanche in the future, while Lalonde-McNicoll gives the Hurricanes another offensively talented forward to help rebuild their team.