PROVIDENCE — Matt Beleskey Jersey is very familiar with David Clarkson.
The names and career stories of the two NHL wingers will inevitably be linked until such time as Beleskey proves that they shouldn’t be.
The B’s very much hope that happens — because on a team loaded with question-mark players, young and old, key free agent acquisition Beleskey is one of its most important variables. He has to prove that the dramatic upgrade in his career last season in Anaheim was not — as was the case with Clarkson — an aberration.
“Oh, yeah,” said Beleskey when asked if he knew about the cautionary tale of Clarkson.
Clarkson was an average, third-line-type player for the New Jersey Devils from 2007-11, averaging about 12 goals and 24 points during those four seasons.
But then in 2011-12, at age 26, after netting just 17 goals in his best previous year, Clarkson erupted for 30. And when he hit the free agent market two years later, he was lavished a seven-year contract by the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $5.25 million per year — more than doubling his Devils pact.
And proceeded to become the poster boy for Maple Leafs failure.
In 60 games in 2013-14, Clarkson posted 5-6-11 totals. The following season, in 58 games, he posted 15 points. Late last season, the Leafs traded Clarkson to Columbus for old friend Nathan Horton — even though Horton will probably never play again but has five years left on his contract.
So to sum up, based largely on one good season by Clarkson, the Leafs made a simply terrible signing.
Beleskey is determined his story will have a far happier ending.
He, too, was a rather run-of-the-mill player for years. In 2009-10, he recorded 18 points (11 goals) in 60 games for Anaheim. Spending much of ’10-11 in the AHL, he managed 10 points in 35 games with the Ducks. In ’11-12, he had 15 points in 70 games, then 13 points in 42 games the next year and 24 points (nine goals) in 55 games in 2013-14.
But then, boom: Last year at age 26 (like Clarkson), he jumped to 22 goals (and 10 assists) in 65 games. In 16 playoff games, he scored eight more goals. He was fast, tenacious, tough and skilled. And he was rewarded with a five-year contract from the Womens Bruins Jersey worth $3.8 million a year.
Beleskey is determined he isn’t going to be a one-year wonder.
“I’d like to take a role of responsibility to come in and help this team, make a difference,” said Beleskey, who sat out last night’s preseason opener vs. New Jersey. “They went out and gave me a great contract. I’m very grateful for that. I’m going to do my best and work hard to repay them.
“I’ve always thought of myself as a 20-goal scorer. I know I can score goals. It’s just a matter of having that confidence, sticking with it and doing the right things, getting in the right spots. Last year it paid off. I’m going to try to make it happen again.”
Beleskey said the improvement he showed last season was due, in part, to the greater opportunity he was given by Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau. And, in part, just maturity.
“It’s the procedure of becoming a pro, learning how to play, learning my game. And coach Boudreau gave me a lot of good opportunities. I played with some great players.”
Beleskey watched Clarkson, in Toronto, not get a great chance to be his best.
“He played on the first power-play unit for the Devils the year he scored 30 goals,” said Beleskey. “He went to Toronto and he didn’t play on the power play. He was on the third line, no power plays. And they wanted him to score 30 goals? It was a different situation.”
Beleskey doesn’t figure to be treated that way as a Bruin. He’ll probably be counted on in a top-two-line role, and should see power-play time.
“It’s not all about the situation you’re in — but it has a lot to do with the opportunities you get, and with taking advantage of them.
“There’s some great players here, too. I’m sure they’re going to work me in, and if I deserve to play (a major role) I’ll be given a fair shot.”
He will certainly get that, because the Bruins believe the year Beleskey delivered last season was just a preview of things to come.
Read More:www.bruins-jerseys.com
No comments:
Post a Comment