Eric Belanger, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent over a decade in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a center. Born on December 16, 1977, in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Belanger was drafted 96th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. His journey to the NHL began in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he played for the Beauport Harfangs and the Rimouski Océanic, honing his skills and demonstrating his potential as a reliable center.
Belanger made his NHL debut with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2000-2001 season. Over the next few years, he established himself as a dependable player, known for his faceoff proficiency and defensive capabilities. His tenure with the Kings lasted until 2006, during which he contributed consistently to the team's efforts both in the regular season and the playoffs.
In 2006, Belanger was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he played a brief stint before being traded again to the Nashville Predators. However, his time with the Predators was short-lived, as he was soon traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. Despite these frequent moves, Belanger maintained his performance level, adapting quickly to new teams and systems.
The 2007-2008 season saw Belanger signing with the Minnesota Wild, where he spent three seasons. During his time with the Wild, he continued to be a reliable center, contributing both offensively and defensively. His ability to win faceoffs and his penalty-killing skills were assets to the team, and he played a crucial role in their playoff appearances.
In 2010, Belanger joined the Washington Capitals, albeit briefly, before signing with the Phoenix Coyotes. His tenure with the Coyotes was marked by consistent play, as he continued to be a valuable asset in faceoffs and special teams. Belanger's experience and steady performance helped the Coyotes reach the playoffs, where he played a significant role in their postseason campaigns.
Belanger's career continued with the Edmonton Oilers, where he signed in 2011. During his time with the Oilers, he provided veteran leadership to a young team, contributing both on and off the ice. His experience was invaluable in mentoring younger players, and he remained a steady presence in the lineup.
Throughout his NHL career, Belanger was known for his defensive acumen, faceoff skills, and ability to adapt to various roles as needed by his teams. He played over 800 NHL games, scoring more than 300 points, and was respected by teammates and coaches alike for his professionalism and work ethic.
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