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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – The Phoenix Coyotes signed free agent center Eric Belanger today to a 1 year, $750,000 contract. Last season Belanger split his time between the Minnesota Wild (60 games) and the Washington Capitals (17 regular season games and 7 post season games) notching a total of 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) and 32 penalty minutes.

However, here’s the big key to this signing.

Faceoff percentage.

Last season in 17 games with the Capitals, he was 51.98% in the faceoff circle. In seven playoff games last season with the Capitals, he was 66.67% in the faceoff circle. Belanger never got below 50% in faceoffs in all playoff games last year with the Capitals and won the most playoff faceoffs on the Capitals roster.

“We are excited to have Eric join us here in Phoenix,” said Phoenix Coyotes GM Don Maloney in a prepared statement. “He is a smart, quick, talented center who plays well on both sides of the puck. We had identified Eric early in the free agency period as someone who would be a great fit with us and feel fortunate we are able to bring him to the Coyotes organization.”

If there’s one message that the Coyotes are sending to the rest of the league right now its that they are going to be a deep and talented team not only in Phoenix but in San Antonio as well.

This is an EXCELLENT signing by the Coyotes as it will make training camp one of the most competitive camps ever.