Belanger is a gritty, defensive forward who the Coyotes hope can help lead a young team.
Eric Belanger and the Phoenix Coyotes have agreed to a one-year $750,000 contract.
“We are excited to have Eric join us here in Phoenix,” Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said. “He is a smart, quick, talented center who plays well on both sides of the puck.”
Belanger was drafted by Los Angeles in 1996 and has bounced the NHL since playing for the Kings, Carolina Hurricanes, Atlanta Thrashers, Minnesota Wild and Washington Capitals.
His standout moment with the Capitals was in the playoffs last season when he was hit in the mouth by the stick of Marc-Andre Bergeron and felt his teeth shatter in his mouth. He went into the locker room, had emergency surgery to trim exposed nerves and returned to the game in the third period.
