Avalanche Acquire Ruslan Salei

[Thrillhouse]

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that it has acquired defenseman Ruslan Salei from the Florida Panthers organization. In exchange for his services, the Avalanche gives up the rights to Karlis Skrastins and a third-round draft choice in the 2008 Entry Draft.

“Ruslan Salei gives our club a solid and reliable asset on the blueline,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere. “We feel he can assume a major role within our defensive corps and provide some added stability in that area.”

Salei, 33, is a veteran of 11 NHL seasons, the last two with Florida after spending nine with the Anaheim Ducks organization. The 6’1”, 213-pound native of Minsk, Belarus was selected ninth overall by Anaheim in the 1996 Entry Draft. He appeared in all 65 games with Florida this season and has missed just four games total over his last four NHL campaigns. He’s coming off a 2006-07 year which saw him post career-highs in goals (6), assists (26) and points (32). Over his 11 NHL seasons, Salei has averaged over 23 minutes of ice-time per game.

[Cat Smasher]

was hoping it would be for just picks, so Belak would get the ice time.

[Humpzilla]

Good pick up. Have always liked Skras.

[jkidd]

Wow. I thought JM-Liles was on his way out, not Karlis.

Either way, good move, IMO. Good, tough, minute eating defenseman that can get the first pass out on the tape.

[forsberg21]

Skras can be a machine when his game is on, which it hasn't really been recently. I'm not really too sure how i feel about this one yet.

[Cat Smasher]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Skras can be a machine when his game is on, which it hasn't really been recently. I'm not really too sure how i feel about this one yet.

I think you'll end up loving it, but he does go overboard on his hits sometimes.

[Isles4life]

Hmm. I didn't know the Avs were looking to move Skrastins. He can be a decent player, I just hope he doesn't interfere with Belak getting playing time in his new home.

[PinoyRon51]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

Hmm. I didn't know the Avs were looking to move Skrastins. He can be a decent player, I just hope he doesn't interfere with Belak getting playing time in his new home.

Belak will probably play with Campbell and Glass. He'll spot-start at Defense if needed. That's what I think though....

[bupz91]

good trade for the av's

I Like Salei, he's physical or he used to be

[bengino]

i call this trade more or less even... Avs get a decent defender.

[KOd]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

Hmm. I didn't know the Avs were looking to move Skrastins. He can be a decent player,

But he hasn't been this year.

I just hope he doesn't interfere with Belak getting playing time in his new home.

The Panthers traded a defender for a defender (and a draft choice). It shouldn't affect Belak's playing time (or lack thereof).