LEWISTON – The Lewiston Maineiacs just got a bit tougher, and it didn’t cost them a thing.

In a 19-year-old waiver transaction, the Maineiacs this weekend have picked up Lucas Labelle from the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Labelle was cut from the Volts’ squad, and by rule has to be placed on league-wide waivers.

“I’ve seen him with my own eyes and this kid plays hard every shift,” Maineiacs’ Head Coach and General Manager Ed Harding said. “Those are the type of players I want.”

Harding cautioned that Labelle isn’t in town to replace the likes of David Perron, who made his NHL debut Saturday with the St. Louis Blues.

“He knows he’s a hard-nosed, gritty-type player,” Harding said. “He’s not expected to come in here and score 100 points. If I get 20-25 points out of him, that’s great.”

Labelle has traveled the league well. He made his debut in the 2005-06 season with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles. The Eagles cut him later that season, and he wasn’t picked up until midway through last season by Acadie-Bathurst. The Titan traded him this past August to Drummondville, which then waived him.

“A 19-year-old kid with some experience in this league, especially in our division, he’s battle-tested in our division,” Harding said. “He and I had a long conversation and he knows exactly why he’s coming in here.”

Harding wasn’t worried that Labelle might take away playing time from some of the younger players on the roster.

“He may take some time away from somebody, but it’s all about competition,” Harding said. “These kids are going to have to earn their ice time each and every day.”