The New Jersey Devils, parent club of the AHL’s Albany Devils, today acquired defenseman Maxim Noreau from the Minnesota Wild, parent club of the AHL’s Houston Aeros, in exchange for forward David McIntyre.
Noreau, 24, will enter his fifth professional season in 2011-12. He split each of the past two seasons between Minnesota and Houston (AHL), finishing first among Aeros’ defensemen with 54 points in 2010-11 and 52 in 2009-10. Among AHL defensemen, he finished tied for third in points, and first with 33 power play points and 216 shots last season.
The 6-0, 195-lb., right-shooting rearguard played in the 2010 and 2011 AHL All-Star Games, was named to the league’s First All-Star Team in 2011, and Second Team in 2010. Noreau also added two goals and ten assists for 12 points in helping Houston reach the 2011 Calder Cup Finals. He also saw action in five games with Minnesota this past season and made his NHL debut on April 8, 2010 at Calgary.
Born May 24, 1987 in Montreal, Que., he spent his first pro season in 2007-08 with both Houston and Texas (ECHL). He played three seasons of junior hockey with Victoriaville (QMJHL) from 2004-2007.
McIntyre had joined the Devils’ organization on February 3, 2009, after his rights were acquired from Anaheim.
The 24-year-old McIntyre ranked fourth on Albany with 30 points (12-18-30) in 78 games as a rookie during the 2010-11 campaign. A native of Pefferlaw, Ont., McIntyre turned pro after completing a four-year career at Colgate University.
