Avs send for Willsie, put center Guite on IR with rib injury

DENVER -- The Colorado Avalanche called up Brian Willsie from its AHL affiliate on Saturday and placed center Ben Guite on injured reserve because of a rib injury.

Willsie signed as a free agent with the Avs in July after playing with the Washington Capitals and Los Angeles Kings. Willsie played his first five NHL seasons with Avs, who drafted him in 1996.

Willsie has seven goals and eight assists in 69 games for the Avs. He led the Lake Erie Monsters with eight goals this season.