Oilers Sign Cam Barker, Eric Belanger, and Corey Potter

The Edmonton Oilers announced on the first day of free agency that they have signed defensemen Cam Barker to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million and Corey Potter to a one-year, two-way contract, as well as center Eric Belanger to a three-year contract worth $5.25 million. His deal will average out to $1.75 million per season, while the financial terms of Potter's contract were not disclosed. Barker was signed as an unrestricted free agent after the Minnesota Wild bought out the final year of his contract. In 52 games last season with the Wild, he had one goal and four assists for five points, while Belanger had 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points in all 82 games with the Phoenix Coyotes. Potter appeared in one games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring no points. He also played in 75 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL, scoring seven goals and 30 assists for 37 points. Barker isn't a bad signing for the Oilers, as he still has some offensive upside on defense. He also has some mobility and skill on the power play, although he lacks consistency. He was a huge disappointment in Minnesota and hopefully a change of scenery will help Barker get his career back on track. Belanger is a decent addition for Edmonton, as he will bring plenty of veteran skill to the team. He has good two-way skill, is decent on faceoffs, and plays a good defensive game, so he should be a decent third-line center for the team. Potter is really just a depth signing for the Oilers, as he will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors.

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.

Capitals to Re-Sign Eric Belanger

The Washington Capitals have announced that they have agreed to a deal in principle with center Eric Belanger. The deal is for one year and is worth $1.85 million. The only thing holding up the official announcement of the signing is that the Capitals are trying to make some roster changes, with Tomas Fleischmann's name popping up in trade rumors. Belanger was acquired at the March 3 trade deadline from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 77 games last season, he had 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points. This will be a good move for the Capitals, as Belanger is a decent two-way center. He's also good on faceoffs and has an excellent defensive game, making him a decent third line center for the team.

Capitals Acquire Belanger from Wild

The Washington Capitals added some more offensive depth on Wednesday by acquiring center Eric Belanger from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for a second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 60 games this season with the Wild, he has 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points. This is a great move for the Capitals, as Belanger will bring plenty of grit and offensive depth to the team. He's a decent two-way player who is a great contributor on the power play, though he will likely be only a playoff rental for the Capitals.