Matt Beleskey, Ducks’ breakout player last season, joins Boston Bruins
Matt Beleskey celebrates after scoring a goal for the Ducks against the Chicago Blackhawks during Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on May 23.
The Ducks lost their breakout player of last season Wednesday when forward Matt Beleskey departed via free agency.
Beleskey’s career year with the Ducks netted him a reported five-year, $19-million contract with the Boston Bruins. The signing was first reported by Darren Dreger of Canada’s TSN.
Beleskey doubled his previous career-high goals total with 22 last season to help push Anaheim to its second consecutive No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
He also scored the winning goal in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Chicago Blackhawks before the Ducks were eliminated in Game 7 by the eventual Stanley Cup champions.
Ducks General Manager Bob Murray told reporters last week that talks broke down with Beleskey “immediately” after he offered the forward a four-year, $16-million deal.
Murray proceeded to acquire forward Carl Hagelin from the New York Rangers on Saturday.
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