Avalanche Acquire Daniel Briere from Canadiens

(Photo: Jean-Yves Ahern/USA TODAY Sports)

It’s been another big day for trades and contract announcements in the NHL.

Earlier today, the Colorado Avalanche acquired forward Daniel Briere from the Montreal Canadiens, in exchange for forward PA Parenteau and a fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft.  Briere had a no-move clause with Montreal, but he waived it for this trade.

“Daniel is a veteran who brings experience to our hockey club,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President Joe Sakic.  “We’re looking forward to him joining our team.”

Briere, 36, spent the 2013-14 season with the Canadiens after signing with them as a free agent in July 2013.  He had 13 goals and 25 points in 69 regular season games for Montreal, and he registered an additional 3 goals and 7 assists in 16 playoff games. Prior to signing with Montreal, Briere spent time with the Coyotes, Sabres, and Flyers.  He has 299 career goals and 684 points in 916 regular season games.  Briere is a notably consistent playoff player; he averages nearly a point a game in the postseason with 116 points in 124 games.

Parenteau, 31, has spent the past two seasons with the Avalanche, but suffered from knee injuries last season and played only 55 games.  He put up 32 goals and 76 points in 103 games with Colorado (14 goals, 33 points last season).  Parenteau has also played for the Blackhawks, Rangers, and Islanders in past seasons.  He has a career 73 goals and 205 points in 291 regular season games, as well as 1 goal and 3 points in 7 playoff games.