Panthers deal Grimaldi to Avalanche for backup Berra

It's a small hockey deal, but a hockey deal nonetheless.

The Florida Panthers have acquired a backup for Roberto Luongo, trading Rocco Grimaldi to the Colorado Avalanche for goaltender Reto Berra, George Richards of the Miami Herald reports.

Colorada has since confirmed the transaction.

The Swiss-born Berra appeared in 14 games for the Avalanche last season, authoring a .922 save percentage and recording a pair of shutouts. He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2006, but didn't make his NHL debut until the 2013-14 season with the Calgary Flames.

He owns a career .906 save percentage, exclusively in a backup role.

Grimaldi, 23, is a former second-round selection out of the University of North Dakota who never found traction with the Panthers. He appeared in 20 games last season, registering five points, and has scored a decent rate at the minor-league level.

Al Montoya, who was effective in a backup role last season, is an unrestricted free agent and most certainly on the move.

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