Signed by Philadelphia as a free agent on June 11, 2014, Bellemare was selected by Vegas in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft and has totaled 65 points (29g/36a) in 385 career NHL contests with the Flyers and Golden Knights. He has four points (0g/4a) in 31 total postseason appearances.
"Pierre-Edouard is a very good defensive forward and penalty killer who is also strong on faceoffs," said Avalanche Executive Vice President / General Manager Joe Sakic. "He brings added leadership and a veteran presence to our team."
The 6-foot, 198-pound center played five seasons with Skelleftea of the Swedish Hockey League from 2009-14, producing 125 points (64g/61a) in 238 career regular-season contests and 41 points (16g/25a) in 66 total postseason outings. He served as an alternate captain for three seasons from 2011-14 and helped Skelleftea earn back-to-back SHL championships in 2013 and 2014.
The Le Blanc-Mesnil, France, native has competed internationally for his country every year since 2001. He's registered 34 points (13g/21a) in 60 total IIHF World Championship games and was an alternate captain for the team for five consecutive tournaments from 2012-16.
In 2016, Bellemare suited up for Team Europe at the World Cup of Hockey, the only player to represent France at the tournament. He notched two points (1g/1a) in six games, helping Europe to a second-place finish.
