Avalanche claim F Marc-Andre Cliche off waivers

Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic have claimed Marc-Andre Cliche (pronounced KLEESH) off of waivers. Cliche is a 26-year-old right winger who's spent his pro career in the AHL as part of the Los Angeles Kings organization.

He was drafted 56th overall in 2005 by the New York Rangers, but  was traded to the Kings in 2007 while still playing in the QMJHL. Cliche made his pro debut with the Kings's AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, later that year. He has only appeared in one NHL game (2009-2010).

Clearly Roy and Sakic are not happy with what they've seen on the penalty kill. According to The Hockey News, Cliche is "an excellent defensive forward and penalty-killer. Can play both center and wing. Brings energy to the rink every game. Owns an infectious attitude." THN goes on to say he "doesn't have a lot of offensive ability, so point production will always be hard to come by at the highest level. Injuries may always be prevalent here."

There's a good chance this is just a depth signing, but it's certainly an indication that something somewhere in the organization needs some fixin'.