On June 1, 1994, he was traded to the Quebec Nordiques, and made his professional debut in the 1994–95 season with AHL affiliate, the Cornwall Aces.

In 1995–96, his and the Avalanche's first season in the NHL, Yelle became a regular as he played in 71 games en route to the Stanley Cup Championship.

On October 1, 2002, prior to the 2002–03 season, Stéphane was traded by the Avalanche, along with Chris Drury, to the Calgary Flames for Derek Morris, Dean McAmmond and Jeff Shantz.

[1] Yelle's transition was seamless as he established himself on the Flames checking line, helping Calgary to a 2004 Stanley Cup Finals appearance after a seven-year playoff hiatus.

On March 3, 2010, Yelle was traded by the Hurricanes, along with Harrison Reed, back to the Colorado Avalanche for Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll and a sixth-round draft pick.