Eric Belanger Signs With Coyotes

by Adam Gretz

Filed under: Coyotes, NHL Free Agency

There were reports earlier this summer that free agent center Eric Belanger was set to sign with the Washington Capitals, only to have the deal never materialize. On Tuesday, the veteran pivot finally found a new home as he inked a one-year deal with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Said general manager Don Maloney in a statement released by the team, "We are excited to have Eric join us here in Phoenix. 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."

It's a solid addition to a Phoenix club that exceeded all expectations last year. And while the Coyotes lost one of their top defenseman in Zbynek Michalek to free agency, Maloney has had a fairly productive offseason with the addition of Belanger, as well as the free agent signing of veteran winger Ray Whitney. The team also managed to bring back free agent Lee Stempniak (he played 18 regular season games with Phoenix after being acquired in a deadline deal with Toronto) at what appears to be a bargain rate.

 

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