Avalanche acquire Salei from Panthers

The Colorado Avalanche acquired defenseman Ruslan Salei from the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, giving up the rights to Karlis Skrastins and a third-round pick in the draft.

Last season, the 33-year-old Salei had six goals and 26 assists, both career highs.

Colorado general manager Francois Giguere called Salei "a solid and reliable asset on the blue line."

Salei spent 11 years in the NHL, the last two with Florida after nine with the Anaheim Ducks. He's missed only four games in the past four seasons.

The deal was announced a day after Colorado agreed to terms on a deal to bring former MVP Peter Forsberg back to Denver for the rest of the season.