Avalanche sign Maxim Noreau to 2-year, $1.25M contract

The Colorado Avalanche looked overseas to bolster their defense, signing defenseman Maxim Noreau of Ambri-Piota of the Swiss League to a two-year, $1.25-million contract, as per Adrian Dater of the Denver Post.

Noreau, 27, appeared in five games for the Minnesota Wild in 2010-11, but did not register a point in that time. At the AHL, however, he scored 32 goals and added 59 assists for the Houston Aeros from 2008-2010, displaying an offensive touch that could benefit the Avalanche.

Over the course of three seasons in Switzerland, Noreau registered 25 goals and 64 assists in 124 games.

The undrafted defenseman is expected to take part in training camp in September, where he will compete for a roster spot with the big club.