Meloche, 22, appeared in 55 games for the Colorado Eagles in 2018-19, recording 21 points (six goals, 15 assists). He finished tied for first among Eagles defensemen in goals and ranked second in points.

"Nicolas is a strong right shot defenseman who helps complete our left and right balance on the blueline," said Assistant General Manager Joe Will. "His game is a blend of offense and defense and we feel that his assets will complement our young defensive prospects."

SAN JOSE, CA - San Jose Sharks ( @SanJoseSharks ) General Manager Doug Wilson announced today that the team has acquired defenseman Nicolas Meloche from the Colorado Avalanche ( @Avalanche ) in exchange for goaltender Antoine Bibeau.

In 2017-18, he split the season with the San Antonio Rampage and ECHL Colorado Eagles, helping the Eagles capture the Kelly Cup in their final ECHL season before being promoted to the AHL. Meloche appeared in 24 games and collected six points (one goal, five assists).

Prior to his professional career, he spent four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), accumulating 212 career games with 139 points (45 goals, 94 assists). He appeared in the CHL Top Prospects game in the 2014-15 season and was named to the QMJHL All-Rookie team in 2013-14 with Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

The six-foot-three, 205-pound defenseman was originally selected by Colorado in the second round (40th overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Bibeau appeared in two seasons for the San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda), accumulating a 39-27-9 record with San Jose. Bibeau was named to the AHL All-Star Classic in 2017-18 and finished seventh among goaltenders in goals-against average by the end of the season. He helped the Barracuda reach the playoffs in each of the last two years, appearing in five games.

"Antoine has meant a lot to the San Jose Barracuda, highlighted by his appearance in the AHL All-Star game two seasons ago," said Will. "This move was a difficult decision to make, but it will provide an opportunity to the other goaltenders in our strong prospect pool. I want to thank Antoine for his commitment to our organization and wish him all the best in the future."