Florida Panthers general manager Jacques Martin made the first of his off-season signings on Monday, re-signing forwards Wade Belak and Kamil Kreps to two-year contract extensions. Belak's deal will be $1.3 million over two years whilst Kreps will receive $1.365 million over two years.
Belak, a tough, physical player who can play both forward and defense, was acquired by the Panthers from the Toronto Maple Leafs at this year’s trade deadline for an eighth round draft pick.
Drafted by the Quebec Nordiques 12th overall in the 1994 Entry Draft, Belak’s bounced from Colorado and Calgary, with various stops with their minor league affiliates before finding a home in Toronto, where he played the last six and a half seasons primarily in the role of enforcer.
As personable as he is tough, the 32-year-old Belak has lasted nearly 10 NHL seasons due to his pugilistic abilities and positive attitude. He also proved to be a decent depth player as well as a fan favorite with the Maple Leafs, which should carry over in Florida.
Kreps, 23, played his first full NHL campaign with the Panthers in 2007-08, posting 25 points in 76 games, finishing the season on the Panthers top line.
While that was in part due to Richard Zednik’s last season neck injury it should in no way detract from Kreps’ performance and improvement this season, which earned positive reviews from Martin and thus his new contract.
It remains to be seen if Kreps will return to the Panthers first line next season but he could easily fit in as a second or third line player. Given his age he still has plenty of time to further his development and solidify a hold on a roster spot.
1) thats the easy part. Now the heavy lifting commences. They need to get Bouwmeester under contract before July 1. He would seem be potential attractive RFA offer sheet material
2)Get a good coach. If he's made available perhaps Quenville would be a good fit in South Florida?
Since we're talking coaches a little bit, how about Dave Lewis? His system failed for Boston, but everyone in the hockey world saw that one coming.
What are the numbers looking like for Bouwmeester? $3M per season for a year or two before he strikes it rich, or do they tie him up forever at around $5M a season?
Wade Belak is the hardest working player in the NHL.He plays forward and defence , drives the bus carries the bags and even fights.George Laroque says that Belak hit him the hardest and he hasnever made any noise about being scratched.That is the type of team player I want on my team.
Wade Belak is the hardest working player in the NHL.He plays forward and defence , drives the bus carries the bags and even fights.George Laroque says that Belak hit him the hardest and he hasnever made any noise about being scratched.That is the type of team player I want on my team.
Nameless one --- There's no way that the panthers will be able to sign him for 3 mill a season. 5 mill would be a good starting price for his services. For all the responsibility he's had thrown on his shoulders since he was what... 18 years old? I'd love to have him on my team.
1)Bouwmeester is the best defensemen no one's ever heard about. He's NOT Lidstrom, but is an all around top 2 defender that any of the other 29 teams would gladly add to their rosters
What about some comments on the 'Hawks signing of Niemi? He's big kid at 6'4" and had great stats in the SM-Liiga last year which has turned into a goalie factory as of late. This kid could challenge for the starter's spot. Moreover, it signals the end of Lalime's career in Chicago, no? I'm certain Chicago would love to rid itself of Khabibulin's hefty salary, but are there any takers? What would it cost to buy him out? Should they waive him in attempt to free up half of his salary next season - his final in the current contract? Seems like Chicago is finally moving in the proper direction, but could be aided by relieving themselves of Khabby's contract as well as that of the oft-injured Havlat and the aging Lang.
Niemi's signed but he's no certainty to make the Blackhawks as he'll have to battle with Corey Crawford for the backup role. There won't be any takers for Khabibulin given his remaining salary for next season $6.75 million and declining performance. It'll cost two-thirds of his remaining salary spread over twice the remaining length of the contract to buy him out. I suspect the 'Hawks will just let him play it out and hope Crawford or Niemi show sufficient skill to get more games in.
Huh... Suppose I was the nameless one, Thadd. Just your neighborhood chaas pokin' around the internet. Why my handle chose to hide from you remains a mystery. The great programming behind foxsports.com strikes again!
Thanks for the insight on Bouwmeester. I'd love to see the Rangers make an offer for him, but he'll likely be a Panther for years to come. He's the type of player that'll succeed Jokinen as captain when we reach those crossroads.
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
