The Panthers, who also sent the Avs a second-round draft pick in 2004, received forwards Vaclav Nedorost and Eric Messier in return.
The 25-year-old Worrell had 193 penalty minutes in 63 games last season. He finished fifth overall in the NHL in penalty minutes, despite missing 19 games to injury.
Peter Worrell (top) was traded to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. (CP Photo)
He led the NHL with a career-high 354 penalty minutes in 2001-02.
Worrell also chipped in two goals and three assists last year.
"Peter Worrell will add a tremendous amount of grit and toughness to our lineup," Michel Goulet, Colorado's vice-president of player personnel, said in a statement.
"His presence adds another physical dimension to our team."
Florida GM Rick Dudley believes the deal helps both clubs.
"We didn't want to trade Peter, but this offer was too good to pass up," said Dudley.
"Colorado, meanwhile, got what it needed -- a big, powerful forward to help protect all of their skilled players."
The 21-year-old Nedorost collected four goals and five assists in 42 games last season.
The 6-1, 190-pound Czech Republic native played in five games for Hershey of the American Hockey League, notching three goals and two assists.
He also recorded 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 13 games during the 2000 and 2001 World Junior Championships.
Nedorost appears to be the key to the deal for Florida. Dudley believes the young playmaker has star potential.
"Nedorost is an inordinately talented young player -- a very special athlete who will blossom into an elite player," said Dudley.
The 29-year-old Messier skated on both defence and up front last season, compiling four goals and 10 assists in 72 games. He has 25 goals and 47 assists over his seven-year NHL career.
with files from Canadian Press
