Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: The Worst Team Ever Projected?

Capitals Acquire Eric Belanger from Wild

Per @TSNBobMcKenzie, the Capitals have acquired Eric Belanger from the Minnesota Wild for a 2nd round pick.


GPGAP+/-PIMPPGSHGGWGGTGSOGPCT
Eric Belanger 60 13 22 35 -1 28 3 0 3 0 120 10.8

Per the Caps:

Belanger, 32, is in his 10th NHL season and his third season with Minnesota. The 5’11", 187-pound native of Sherbrooke, Quebec, has 13 goals and 22 assists in 60 games to rank fifth in scoring for the Wild. He also ranks seventh in the NHL with a 57.6 faceoff percentage. Belanger was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round with the 96th overall pick in the 1996 NHL Draft. He has played 617 career NHL games for Los Angeles, Carolina, Atlanta and Minnesota and has recorded 119 goals and 174 assists. Belanger has played in 30 NHL Stanley Cup playoff games, registering two goals and four assists.

Belanger previously played for Washington coach Bruce Boudreau when both were with the AHL’s Lowell Lock Monsters from 1999-2001. He had 23 goals and 35 assists in 78 games under Boudreau.

Like Scott Walker, Belanger is an unrestricted free agent this summer.  His annualized cap hit is $1,750,000, roughly $362,694 of which is still due.

For all of the latest NHL trade deadline news, be sure to check out SBN's Trade Deadline Hub:

NHL Trade Rumors and Hockey Blogs - SB Nation NHL Trade Deadline

Comment 73 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

2C, I presume?
Still waiting for the D-man.

"My face is my mask."

by Jake Shapiro on Mar 3, 2010 1:50 PM EST reply actions  

Like the player. Not so much the pick.

Поклон перед вашим капитаном!

by Knubles and Bits on Mar 3, 2010 1:52 PM EST reply actions  

I like it. More depth down the middle, veteran, could be a solution for the 2C position. Granted, the price may have been steep, but this tells me that GMGM and the team wants to win NOW, and put the future aside for this year.

Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."

I'm on that bird thingy.

by Steck It Out on Mar 3, 2010 1:52 PM EST reply actions  

What number will he wear? 25, 52, 2, and 5 are all out.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Mar 3, 2010 1:52 PM EST reply actions  

"My face is my mask."

by Jake Shapiro on Mar 3, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Uh… Mike Knuble has that.

Let's go Caps!

by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 3, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Bah, number speculation fail.

by David Getz on Mar 3, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions  

5 is still available.

Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."

I'm on that bird thingy.

by Steck It Out on Mar 3, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions  

Because 5 isn’t retired or anything…

"My face is my mask."

by Jake Shapiro on Mar 3, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Is it?

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Mar 3, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions  

5 is retired: Rod Langway

Let's go Caps!

by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 3, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions  

23 and 26 are available… I presume Walker will keep his 24.

Let's go Caps!

by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 3, 2010 1:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Whoops, forgot ShaMo… sorry.

Let's go Caps!

by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 3, 2010 1:56 PM EST up reply actions  

ShaMo would like a word with you.

Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.

by EmilyB on Mar 3, 2010 1:56 PM EST up reply actions  

Uh….yeah… I’m ….over there.

Where’s Bill McCreary when you need him?

Let's go Caps!

by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 3, 2010 1:57 PM EST up reply actions  

And now Juice would like a word.

Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.

by EmilyB on Mar 3, 2010 2:53 PM EST up reply actions  

You guys are on fire today. Anyone need a roster to sort out these numbers? Hey, maybe he can wear #8!

by Becca H on Mar 3, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

I think the team is holding that one for a retirement ceremony. Khristich was a big deal.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Mar 3, 2010 2:01 PM EST up reply actions  

Perfect

"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP

by fat_daddyo on Mar 3, 2010 2:02 PM EST up reply actions  

You mean we’re not going to retire Juice’s 23?

"My face is my mask."

by Jake Shapiro on Mar 3, 2010 1:57 PM EST up reply actions  

washcaps tweets: Belanger will wear no. 18.

by cuqui on Mar 3, 2010 3:03 PM EST up reply actions  

2C or 3C, depending on BMo. Would love to see how he plays with Semin and Laich.

Let's go Caps!

by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 3, 2010 1:53 PM EST reply actions  

TSN analyst Pierre McGuire: “Eric Belanger is a mini-Guy Carbonneau.”

If he is right, I am in love.

Free Eric Fehr!

by desperado on Mar 3, 2010 1:53 PM EST reply actions  

But, but, he has ONE point in his last 17 playoff games (back to 2001) and is 12 in +/ in that time.

I want someone who steps up in the playoffs, not someone to get us there :(

I guess we can just throw him on Ovi’s line…

by Icebat on Mar 3, 2010 1:58 PM EST reply actions  

(that’s – 12)

by Icebat on Mar 3, 2010 1:59 PM EST up reply actions  

We don’t know if he was relegated to a shutdown line during the playoffs or what.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Mar 3, 2010 2:01 PM EST up reply actions  

 -12 on a shutdown line
hmm….

by Icebat on Mar 3, 2010 2:03 PM EST up reply actions  

they haven’t had much success in the playoffs.

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Mar 3, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions  

I like this deal: versatile and good faceoff guy

Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.

by bigonetimer on Mar 3, 2010 1:58 PM EST reply actions  

Gotta love that faceoff pct.

by privatewl on Mar 3, 2010 2:02 PM EST up reply actions  

Looks like a solid 3C to me. He kills penalties some, but not as much as Koivu and not particularly well. His +- Rating is good, though.

He’s a little undersized.

Can take faceoffs.

He moves Flash off the dot, increases the defensively-responsible quotient at 5 v. 5 play, and way opens the door for another move.

I like it.

"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP

by fat_daddyo on Mar 3, 2010 2:01 PM EST reply actions  

Just posted this in open thread, but will put it here too:

Interesting, Belanger and Chimera have history, and not the good kind. From Steinbergs twitter:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4486083

by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 3, 2010 2:02 PM EST reply actions  

Doesn’t make sense unless McPhee eventually winds up adding a Corvo or Gilbert, and maybe a Biron. I get wanting another pivot man, but Is Belanger the answer? Only if Brendan Morrison is your hands-down 2C. Otherwise, you’re getting someone who isn’t known as a scoring-line stalwart to center your second line.

An hour to go, gotta think McPhee isn’t done.

by docciavelli on Mar 3, 2010 2:03 PM EST reply actions  

Not by a long shot.

Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."

I'm on that bird thingy.

by Steck It Out on Mar 3, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Disgaree. Corvo doesn’t have the skill set the Caps want, Gilbert doesn’t have the contract they want, and Biron would be their fourth best goaltender. I don’t know if Belanger’s “the answer” but I know I’d rather have him and Morrison at 2C and 3C than Morrison and Steckel.

by David Getz on Mar 3, 2010 2:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Biron would be their fourth best goaltender.

And I might even take my chances with Holtby over Biron…

by superjuan on Mar 3, 2010 2:10 PM EST up reply actions  

I’d rather have him [Belanger] and Morrison at 2C and 3C than Morrison and Steckel.

Ding Ding Ding!

The move gets Stecks back where he belongs, gets Flash back where he belongs (on a wing) and adds defensive responsibility. I don’t think the guy’s going to set anyone’s hair on fire, but I like the balance that his presence confers on the lineup.

"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP

by fat_daddyo on Mar 3, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Either Belanger or BMo >>> Flash at 2C.

So it’s an upgrade either way.

"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP

by fat_daddyo on Mar 3, 2010 2:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Who sits because of this move?

by patrone on Mar 3, 2010 2:03 PM EST reply actions  

Depends what else happens

by David Getz on Mar 3, 2010 2:05 PM EST up reply actions  

Gordo done?

Does Belanger kill penalties?

Unless someone else is moved – the odd center out here is Gordon. The problem with that is that Gordo is one of our PK specialists.

Can Gordo move to the wing? Does that mean #lessbradley?

Now BB has too many NHL centers, too many non-NHL defensemen, and too many NHL goalies.

And you said you wanted to coach the washington capitals?

by patrone on Mar 3, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Gordon’s played a fair amount of wing in the past

by David Getz on Mar 3, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions  

If everyone hasn’t figured it out, this is a precursor to moving Flash or Fehr. It’s happening.

by Super_Hans on Mar 3, 2010 2:05 PM EST reply actions  

I think there’s a good chance the Walker move was. I don’t think this really affects it that much, because I think the team wanted a center regardless.

by David Getz on Mar 3, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions  

GMGM wasn’t going to move Flash or Fehr for a D man (read:Hamhuis) if he didn’t have someone to step into 2/3C. This is our 3C. It doesn’t totally address the soft spot at 2C, but it lets us play ball without seriously disrupting what we have set up.

Hammer is as good as ours!

by Super_Hans on Mar 3, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions  

Don’t jinx it.

I need a snappy signature...

by IRockTheRed on Mar 3, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions  

There are no jinxes (jinxz?) my friend, only logic!

by Super_Hans on Mar 3, 2010 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

god i hope so

i hope hamhuis’ coming he would be perfect… for the record id rather not move flash i just have a feeling he’ll be huge in the playoffs

by jeffbenson on Mar 3, 2010 2:46 PM EST up reply actions  

Speculation time, so take this for what it's worth

Belanger and Walker are in. We’ll slot them in at 3C and 3R or 4R, respectively.

We then move Flash over to 2L, where he holds hands uncomfortably with Laich for the moment.

So the impending move could involve Fehr, Flash, Bubbles, or Brads.

"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP

by fat_daddyo on Mar 3, 2010 2:10 PM EST reply actions  

gotta be thinking Fehr is most likely—in fact, in the same order you have them is how I would see their pecking order to be traded.

Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.

by bigonetimer on Mar 3, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions  

wait so

when does the trading deadline end? i thought it was yesterday. are we still going to make another move? is that what everyone’s hinting at? if so we need a top-four defenseman, but i think everyone already knows that

by jeffbenson on Mar 3, 2010 2:25 PM EST reply actions  

Ruh roh

dcsportsbog RT @CapsBlog: One of the #Caps wingers will be packing his bags shortly via a team source. His jersey number may be in the teens. #NHL

by wittcap79 on Mar 3, 2010 2:27 PM EST reply actions  

@CapsBlog is a fan blog. I don’t know who it is, but it’s not anyone with credibility, as far as I can tell…

I need a snappy signature...

by IRockTheRed on Mar 3, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions  

Very well…but it’s a reasonable educated guess, given the previous moves.

by wittcap79 on Mar 3, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions  

It’s the “via a[n unnamed] team source” part that has me doubting credulity… not that I don’t think it’ll happen, but still… I hate unnamed sources.

I need a snappy signature...

by IRockTheRed on Mar 3, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions  

please, no Kaberle….

Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.

by bigonetimer on Mar 3, 2010 2:36 PM EST reply actions  

Walker is a RW…so is that setting up Fehr to go in the next trade?!?

I went to a fight, and a hockey game broke out!

by caps crew on Mar 3, 2010 2:48 PM EST reply actions  

NO WAY…we just got Juice back!!!

I went to a fight, and a hockey game broke out!

by caps crew on Mar 3, 2010 2:50 PM EST reply actions  

according to the nhl network

I went to a fight, and a hockey game broke out!

by caps crew on Mar 3, 2010 2:51 PM EST up reply actions  

could you imgine Belanger and Chimera on the same line? So much for locker room chemistry….

by D-Loc on Mar 3, 2010 3:02 PM EST reply actions  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHPTXYlDxbk

here is the belanger on chimera hit. blood all over, left on a stretcher, chimera called belanger out and said he should be suspended.

by D-Loc on Mar 3, 2010 3:07 PM EST reply actions  

Chimera seems to get fucking rocked pretty often, eh?

My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.

by jordanDC on Mar 3, 2010 3:11 PM EST up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

A Washington Capitals blog from the most powerful city in the world

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Peter_bondra_jamiesquire_small
Take away the Shootout Point
Img_2176_small
Why the Caps Should Trade for Jeff Carter
297235_228875923843877_197693266962143_697284_1857293148_n_small
Defending the Blue Line Needs Your Vote
Me_small
The NHL violated the CBA with the Ovechkin suspension
Hunter_small
On the positives of a suspension
Brutus-o-logo-toledo-mfjpg-29f8a7e84e5ea1c7_small
If we win the SE, who do you hope finishes at 6?
Rmu_vs_upj-029jan24-2010_small
Why I am against automatically "standing up for teammates" no matter what the circumstance
86-87_small
East-West Tracker
Semin_small
Is the 4-game win streak a sham?
Brock_small
Caps Players and "The Wire"

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recent FanShots

OT Hockey 2/8
Evgeny Kuznetsov hams it up as he joins the Russia men's national team for the "Sweden Games" leg of the Euro Hockey Tour in Helsinki, Finland.

There's a bit of controversy as their game against the Finns is scheduled to be played in Helsinki's outdoor Olympic Stadium.   Where the daytime temps are currently approximately minus-15 degrees Celsius, with periodic heavy snow.

This interview with head coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov is fascinating, as he frets about the weather and especially when the reporters press him on the leaked reports that Kuznetsov will be centering the top line for Team Russia, just weeks after his 20th birthday. 

(Photo courtesy Russian Ice Hockey Federation)
OT Hockey 2/7
From Wawota.com
OT Hockey 2/6
From our good friends at CSN Washington
Hockey4Hope
Gill
John Erskine takes on his newest teammate
I just had to

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

Southeast Standings

GP W L OTL PT
Washington 53 28 21 4 60
Florida 52 24 17 11 59
Winnipeg 55 25 24 6 56
Tampa Bay 52 23 24 5 51
Carolina 55 20 25 10 50

(updated 2.9.2012 at 9:25 AM EST)

More great SB Nation Blogs

The Vault

Guidelines_medium Tweeters_medium Cap_side2_medium Draft_side2_medium Exchange_medium Cba_side2_medium Rules_side32_medium


Managing Editor

Jp_avatar_2_small J.P.

Associate Editors

Witt_small David Getz

At_kettler_small Becca H

Avatar_small Kareem E.

Murphy_lenin_beard_small Rob Parker

Ad34hihocwl0x15cmoubvuxdb-ehczsv8ag3k6qkujpodapllokm7crajbsbss2axbdk11fp2iur8jkoxdxmitirvrgrctxufboskj7xu4bwhtulx7o19cm_small Stephen Pepper

Captain-c_small EmilyB

Contributors

Ov_avatar_small tuvanhillbilly

Moderators

Hunter_small Bald Pollack

Gould_small Gould Old Days

79c29_small Knee high to a duck

4140101486_small Rink Moderators