Canadiens Acquire Shawn Belle From Minnesota

[Thrillhouse]

MONTRÉAL -- Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey today Friday the acquisition of defenceman Shawn Belle from the Minnesota Wild, in return for forward Corey Locke.

Shawn Belle, 23, played in the American Hockey League for the past three seasons. In 2007-08, he registered three points (1 goal, 2 assists) and 74 penalty minutes in 63 games with the Houston Aeros. The 6-2, 232 lbs defenceman played nine games for the Wild during the 2006-07 season, scoring an assist (0-1-1).

The Edmonton, Alberta native Belle was the St. Louis Blues’ first round selection, 30th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. His rights were traded to Dallas for Jason Bacashihua on June 25, 2004. The Wild acquired him on March 9, 2006 with Martin Skoula, in return for Willie Mitchell and a second round pick in 2007.

Corey Locke was selected by the Canadiens in the fourth round, 113th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He spent the past four seasons with the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs and played his first NHL game with the Canadiens on January 8 against Chicago.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

Big guy, played like a wuss when I saw Houston play.

[chilly666]

an underacheving puss for another underachiving puss worthless in my drunken eyes

[JKidd]

Underachiever is an understatement for Belle. The guy was about as dumb as a block of ice out there, and had no idea what he was doing. He was so far out of position that after his trial in the NHL, he was benched every game, and then sent down once Jacques was pissed off enough.

Don't know much about Locke, but at least it adds some depth to Houston.

Glad we got rid of that "blue chip" prospect that Dougy Rise said we acquired in the Skoula/Mitchell trade, that made the trade all that much sweeter. ****ing cock sucker...

[chilly666]

locke is another version of bouchard. wont take/give hits. runs away frm contact and scrums. doesn't play d very well. good luck playin for the comme coach.

[JKidd]

Originally Posted by chilly666

locke is another version of bouchard. wont take/give hits. runs away frm contact and scrums. doesn't play d very well. good luck playin for the comme coach.

Like I said, its a depth move for Houston at the forward position.

We all of a sudden have a stock pile of defenseman, while having very limited forward help - so this is the obvious reason to it.

In any event.... I'll use the technical term for the industry "**** it."

[MattBurger]

Shawn Belle has the physical tools, but absolutely no awareness or mental toughness. Chances are, he's a career minor leaguer.

[FrontLineAdmirals]

Belle is lightning fast for his size... maybe they should stick him at forward and just let him crash into sh_t. Bound to have some success that way, at least.