DENVER (CBS4) – Colorado Avalanche forward Pierre-Alexandre “P.A.” Parenteau could be the biggest grab for the team in the offseason, but he certainly hasn’t been an overnight success.

After playing six years in the minors and being with five different NHL teams, Parenteau blossomed the last two years with the New York Islanders, scoring 121 points in 168 games. He’s also developed the reputation for scoring big points at the biggest moments a game.

“I take pride in that, you know, playing hard and making plays when the game is on the line,” Parenteau said. “What’s fun about it is I’m going to have the chance to do it with (Gabriel) Landeskog and (Matt) Duchene.”

The Avs have wasted no time putting Parenteau on their top line. His new teammates are very impressed.

“A great player, very skilled; he’s definitely practicing the power play out there,” Duchene said. “(He) definitely adds a new look.”

“He’s fun to play with and he really knows how to pass the puck,” Landeskog said. “Really skilled and has such patience with the puck.”

The Avs signed the free agent this past summer to a four-year deal worth $16 million. That should be plenty of time for his new teammates to learn his full name. Duchene was stumped when he was asked what P.A. stood for.

“I’m not even going to guess, I don’t want to insult him,” Duchene said.

“Pierre-Alexandre … I made it easier on you guys, that’s what it is, that’s why I do it,” Parenteau joked with CBS4′s Gary Miller.