Coyotes Sign Eric Belanger to One-Year Deal

The Phoenix Coyotes announced today that they have signed center Eric Belanger to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not officially disclosed, but it's reported that he will earn $750,000. It was initially reported in August that Belanger had agreed to a one-year, $1.85 million contract in principle with the Washington Capitals, but was contingent on the Capitals making some other roster moves. It appears those moves never came to be and Belanger has decided to move on. In 77 games last season with the Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals, he had 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points. Not a bad move for the Coyotes, as Belanger will bring some good two-way skill to the team. He's also good on faceoffs and plays a decent defensive game, which should make him an effective third-line center for the Coyotes.