Leafs Sign Belak to Extension

[Thrillhouse]

TORONTO -- John Ferguson, vice-president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Wednesday that the club has signed forward Wade Belak to a one year contract extension that runs through the 2007-08 season.

Belak, 30, played 55 games with the Maple Leafs collecting three points (three assists) with 109 penalty minutes. He ranked second (tie) on the team in penalty minutes behind defenceman Bryan McCabe.

The native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan has played 330 NHL games collecting 920 penalty minutes with Colorado, Calgary and Toronto. The Maple Leafs claimed him off waivers from Calgary on February 16, 2002 and was originally Colorado’s first choice, 12th overall in the 1994 Entry Draft.

[Thrillhouse]

Uhhhhh...okay! I would like to know how those contract negotiations went.

[Cat Smasher]

didn't know he was the Avs first pick, wonder if he had any potential beside's dropping his gloves.

I think with Domi gone, it should be Belaks time to shine, let's just hope he doesn't tangle with Orr again

[BGDDYKWL]

Wow, this is surprising. I'm glad to see it, but it's surprising. And before people start bashing the move, just remember, he's a legit top ten guy, and this pretty much ensures that the Leafs will have an enforcer for the next two seasons. I assume this means they plan on playing him the majority of the year.

[DaleHunter32]

Where are they going to play him?

I think he's a Liability playing defense, not an asset

[Blouin]

smart resigning by the Maple Leafs

[Cat Smasher]

Originally Posted by DaleHunter32

Where are they going to play him?

I think he's a Liability playing defense, not an asset

Maurice was saying he'll probably be a forward.

http://hockeyfights.com/forums/showt...=belak+forward

[Isles4life]

Hey, did you guys realize you can rewrite his last name to be Blake? Imagine that defensive ability and the willingness to scrap? Only a dream. He's a good enforcer, but he's a liability on the ice, I dunno if he's "new NHL" compatible.

[rock'emsock'em]

Everyone is saying Belak is a good enforcer and a legit top 10 guy, but I am more inclined to say he HAS BEEN a good enforcer and a top 10 guy. He certainly wasn't either last season. Until he regains his stride (if he does) I'm not incredibly excited about this. Belak was one of my favourite guys to watch, until he started pulling that "head facing the other way" style of fighting. I sure as hell hope he stops that in 06-07.

[canuck2]

I dont see many guys bounce back after losing their edge in the fight department. I think we will see more of the same in Belak.

He is a waste of space.

[jkidd]

Originally Posted by canuck2

I dont see many guys bounce back after losing their edge in the fight department. I think we will see more of the same in Belak.

He is a waste of space.

Isnt that the truth...

[Humpzilla]

This is a wasted signing, imo, considering there are so many other players who're passionate and would be willing to actually play the role that Wade Belak neglects on a nightly basis...

Boooo

[Tenzin]

No brainer for Toronto with Tie Domi gone.

[BROKEN*ORBITAL]

With Wade coming off the year he just had this signing should have been put on the back burner until January. They should have given him half a season to show what he can do and decided whether to invest in him then. All they have done here is committed money on a hope. Had they waited they could have at least seen what they were paying for instead of assuming he'll return to form.

[Colt Seavers]

Maybe he will improve at forward. Like everyone is saying-with Domi gone-they needed someone! He's an effective enforcer. Just has to play a little smarter!