The Montreal Canadiens acquired enforcer George Parros from the Florida Panthers on Friday.
Montreal sent prospect Philippe Lefebvre and a 2014 seventh-round pick to Florida for the 6-foot-5, 228-pound Parros. It is the same seventh rounder Montreal acquired from the Panthers at the NHL draft last week.
He had one goal, one assist and 57 penalty minutes last season. In 452 NHL games, he has 18 goals, 17 assists and 1,007 penalty minutes.
The Canadiens were likely looking to take some of the fighting workload off Brandon Prust by dealing for Parros, one of the league's best-known heavyweights.
''Brandon's got the heart of a lion,'' Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin said. ''He's a warrior. He stands up for his teammates. You tell him not to do it and he can't help himself. So adding George will help him.''
Bergevin didn't sign anyone as the NHL free agent market opened on Friday, but he swung a deal to land Parros.
''I felt it was an important element to add to our lineup,'' he said. ''We're bringing in a guy with a lot of character.
''We know what he brings, and it's an aspect that at this time we feel is important.''
Parros said he hopes to help the Canadiens by playing hockey as well as fighting, but acknowledged that dropping the gloves is how he has made his mark in the NHL.
''I play my game,'' Parros said on a conference call. ''I stick up for my teammates no matter how small or tall they are.
''I bring a level of protection, and I hope they feel comfortable with me in the lineup.''
Drafted 22nd overall by Los Angeles in 1999, Parros has also played for the Kings, Colorado, Anaheim. He won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007.
