Belanger says Capitals tricked him
The newest member of the Phoenix Coyotes, Eric Belanger, told a Montreal based radio station that he had a verbal agreement to sign with the Washington Capitals for seven weeks during the off-season. However, the club is said to have backed out of its original
arrangement.
Belanger recently signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes for the up-coming season, but believed he would be playing in Washington for the majority of the summer. The Phoenix signing came as a surprise, as many hockey experts were reporting that
the centre and the Capitals brass had a deal worked out a month ago. The Capitals seemed to be pleased with what the 32-year-old brought to the fold at the end of last season, as he was able to play a strong two-way game on a team that lacks defensive forwards.
Making the marriage even more likely was the fact that the Capitals have $5 million in cap space, which was more than enough to sign the veteran.
Washington refused to comment directly only saying that no deal was done, no contract signed and nothing was sent to the League for approval.
Nevertheless, Belanger maintains that the two sides understood he would be returning to the team for the 2010-11 season.
In his interview with Montreal radio station the Team 990 he stated, “I had a lease on a house, the kids enrolled in school. We had a verbal agreement over seven weeks ago.”
Belanger’s agent confirms the centre’s story, saying that the two sides had a one-year deal worth $1.85 million arranged over the phone.
Belanger’s agent is contemplating legal action against the Capitals stating. “They should be ashamed of how they handled this situation. We’re pursuing and evaluating our legal options in that regard.”
Last season split between the Minnesota Wild and Capitals Belanger managed 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points.
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