Eric Belanger Traded!

by nathaneide on Mar 3, 2010 3:40 PM CST in News

Eric Belanger has been traded to the Washington Capitals for Washington's second round choice in the 2010 NHL entry draft. Frankly, I have absolutely no problem with this move at all. Belanger was an unrestricted free agent and would have likely walked on July 1. He's certainly not irreplaceable, and is a nice role-player on this squad, but is a good fit as a rental down the stretch for a team like the Capitals.

So, let's say good-bye to our second-line center. He was a very streaky guy. He'd have stretches of multi-point games, then vanish for two weeks. Frankly, looking at his numbers this year, his trade value has never been higher. Put him with a guy like Backstrom or Semin, and he's looking at a definite career high in points the rest of the way.

Belly, I'd like to thank you on behalf of The Team of 18,000. Now go get a cup.

Recent Career
Year	Team	GP	G	A	Pts	+/-	PIM	PPG	PPA	SHG	SHA	GW	SOG	Pct
2007-08	MIN	75	13	24	37	-6	30	7	7	1	0	3	115	.113
2008-09	MIN	79	13	23	36	-5	26	4	9	0	2	4	147	.088
2009-10	MIN	60	13	22	35	-1	28	3	6	0	0	3	120	.108
Career Totals (Full)		617	119	174	293	-24	279	26	40	8	4	17	1043	.114

Poll

Are you satisfied with trading Eric Belanger for a 2nd round draft choice?

Yes, great return for a UFA

145 votes

No, needed to get more

27 votes

No, should have tried to extend him (Riser, why are you answering this?)

5 votes

177 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Damn it, Nate!

I could have felt a lot better about this trade if you didn’t post that damn video.

by SpaethCo on Mar 3, 2010 4:05 PM CST reply actions

How do you not post the retrospective?

It’s fantastic stuff

Proprietor of Hockey Wilderness - We take Minnesota hockey WAY too seriously.

by nathaneide on Mar 3, 2010 4:25 PM CST up reply actions

A tribute to his contributions to the team is one thing. An interview where he talks about how much better his life has been after signing a deal with the Wild and how he hopes to sign another long extension is something else.

by SpaethCo on Mar 3, 2010 4:42 PM CST up reply actions

I know

painful, huh? I mean, we know they’re people, but ….

Proprietor of Hockey Wilderness - We take Minnesota hockey WAY too seriously.

by nathaneide on Mar 3, 2010 4:46 PM CST up reply actions

Those numbers don’t scream “2C” to me, but I’m spoiled. We just need him to be 2/3C, be responsible defensively, and play hard. PKing would be a bonus as well. From what I understand, he fits that bill nicely. You guys have anything to add/clarify?

Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.

by Rob Parker on Mar 3, 2010 4:07 PM CST reply actions