Kukla's Korner Hockey
Entries with the tag: eric belanger
Caps are Still the Caps, Which is Bad News for Everyone Else
by Jon Jordan on 09/22/10 at 01:44 PM ET
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Of all five Southeast Division clubs, the Washington Capitals of 2010-11 will look the most like themselves from a year ago, having added only a spattering of depth to the lineup that captured the President’s Trophy last season. Alas, as the reigning division champ and still the clear-cut class of the division, if it ain’t broke, well, you know… But a first-round playoff exit thanks to Jaroslav Halak and the Montreal Canadiens left an awful taste in the mouths of Bruce Boudreau’s squad, meaning improvements are in order this year for sure. (Or else?)
Filed in: NHL Teams, Atlanta Thrashers, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, | KK Hockey | Permalink
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calder+cup,
calder+trophy,
d.j.+king,
eric+belanger,
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Another Side To The Belanger/Capitals Situation
by Paul on 09/15/10 at 08:59 PM ET
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from Mike Vogel of dump ‘n chase,
I spent some time this afternoon gathering some intel, and this is what I can tell you.
Tacopina (Belanger’s agent) and Caps’ assistant general manager Don Fishman began discussions on a Belanger contract in June. No surprise there, as Belanger had stated his intention to get a deal done before he became an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
One of the most fundamental parts of an agent’s job is to know the market and know how his client’s worth fits in with that market. Tacopina, who never spoke with McPhee at any point during the process, told Fishman that Belanger wanted a three- or four-year deal, minimum. The Caps countered with a two-year pact worth a total of $3 million. Remember, this was before Belanger was officially an unrestricted free agent, before he could negotiate with all 30 NHL clubs.
The Caps were told that Belanger would not accept a two-year deal, that at his age (32), he was looking for his one big contract, the one that would set him up for his years beyond hockey. Belanger wanted term, and he wouldn’t take less than $2 million per season.
As best as I can tell, Belanger is the lone NHL player on MASE’s client roster. So if Tacopina were able to get him that home run contract, I have to think it would look pretty good to potential clients.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Phoenix Coyotes, Washington Capitals, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: eric+belanger
What Happened With Belanger Signing With The Capitals?
by Paul on 09/15/10 at 08:30 AM ET
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from Katie Carerra of the Washington Post,
Last month, the Capitals appeared to have an agreement in place that would bring Belanger back to Washington, pending the completion of a trade. The team never confirmed that it had an arrangement with Belanger, and on Tuesday, Capitals General Manager George McPhee declined to comment while a team spokesman reiterated that Washington never had a contract agreement with Belanger.
Belanger’s agent, Joe Tacopina, said the Capitals did have a deal to bring back Belanger and even helped him sign a lease for a house in Washington and enroll his two daughters in area schools.
“It’s just disingenuous,” Tacopina said. “Despite a two-way commitment and requesting Eric to commit to them and take himself out of the [free agent] mix, when they wound up not being able to make the trade several weeks later, they decided they couldn’t sign him.”
more and Richard Labbe of CyberPresse (translated) has a story on this topic too…
Filed in: NHL Teams, Phoenix Coyotes, Washington Capitals, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: eric+belanger
Coyotes Sign Belanger
by Paul on 09/14/10 at 06:35 PM ET
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA—- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed free agent center Eric Belanger to a one-year deal. As per Club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Last season, the 6-foot-0, 189-pound Belanger played 77 games with Minnesota and Washington, recording a career high 41 points (15-26-41) and 32 penalty minutes. Belanger started the season with the Wild but was acquired by the Capitals on March 3, 2010.
“We are excited to have Eric join us here in Phoenix,” said Maloney. “He is a smart, quick, talented center who plays well on both sides of the puck. We had identified Eric early in the free agency period as someone who would be a great fit with us and feel fortunate we are able to bring him to the Coyotes organization.”
Filed in: NHL Teams, Phoenix Coyotes, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: eric+belanger
Report- Belanger Signing With Washington
by Paul on 08/12/10 at 02:20 PM ET
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from James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail,
According to multiple sources, free agent centre Eric Belanger has a one-year deal in waiting to return to the Washington Capitals. The contract is believed to be a slight raise over the $1.75-million he made last season, to $1.85-million.
What’s interesting is that he has been told not to announce where he’s going, leading to Belanger telling the French language newspaper Le Soleil on Wednesday that he is about to sign but can’t say where due to the fact the team he’s headed to is working on a trade.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Washington Capitals, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: eric+belanger
Chimera Feels Belanger Should Be Suspended
by Paul on 09/21/09 at 03:43 PM ET
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from Tom Reed of Puck-rakers,
Jason Chimera does not care that Eric Belanger’s rap sheet had been clean before Friday night’s hit from behind that sent the Blue Jackets winger off the ice on a stretcher.
He believes Belanger’s check was dirty and that it merits a suspension.
Chimera returned to Columbus on Saturday after he was held overnight in a St. Paul. Minn., hospital for observation. Belanger, a Wild center, rammed Chimera from behind—driving his face into the glass—as Chimera was trying to help teammates clear the puck from the defensive zone. Chimera’s face was driven into the ga
Chimera, who’s seen a replay, attached a graphic analogy to the hit and Belanger’s reputation as a clean player.
“It was a cheap hit, it was a dirty play,” Chimera said.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: eric+belanger,
jason+chimera
Lemaire Confident in Belanger
by Alanah McGinley on 10/07/07 at 11:45 PM ET
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From Michael Russo at the Star Tribune,
Attention, fantasy hockey owners: Jacques Lemaire has a red-hot tip for you.
Pick up Eric Belanger, and fast.
“When we got him, I felt that he’s going to get 20 goals,” the Wild coach said. “Now, I feel he’s going to get 80 points. Playing on the power play like he does, playing on a pretty good line, he’ll get some points.
Filed in: NHL Teams, Minnesota Wild, | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: eric+belanger,
minnesota+wild
