Bruins Pick Up Forward Stephane Yelle

Boston, MA (AHN) -- The Bruins have signed veteran forward Stephane Yelle to a one-year free agent contract for $750,000.

The 34-year-old veteran has spent a total of 12 years with the NHL: the last five seasons were with the Flames, and first seven with the Avalanche. He was an alternate captain in Calgary, where he spent most of his time playing on the wings rather than center.

"There is a defensive bent to his game," Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli told the Boston Globe. "He gives us some depth, both center and wing, up and down our lineup."

Yelle is a defensive specialist, though he has scored 239 points in 884 career games. The Bruins will likely utilize him during face offs and as the key to penalty-killing squads. Last season, he averaged between two and three face-offs a game.

Overall, one of the biggest advantages of Yelle is that he's flexable and versatile. On offense, he's a serious threat.