Looks like Pierre-Edouard Bellemare has found a home in Philly.
The Flyers' only other transaction at the NHL trade deadline Monday after trading Braydon Coburn to Tampa Bay was to re-sign the fleet-footed forward to two-year deal. The contract is worth $1.425 million annually with a $712,500 cap hit, according to sources.
The free-agent Frenchman from Paris, who turns 30 on Friday, was signed last summer to a one-year contract for $600,000.
Bellemare has four goals and eight points in 62 games for the Flyers this season and has become a versatile forward in bringing a different look to the fourth line, which has included Chris VandeVelde and Vinny Lecavalier.
This is not just a checking line to fill out the rotation, but a speed unite that generates chances.
“He’s been a good player for us,” general manager Ron Hextall said. “He works hard. He’s a smart player and is becoming a good penalty killer. He’s well-liked.
“It’s funny, you look at the first quarter or first half of this season and you’re looking for what type of identity he [fits] in. He’s kinda taken the coaches direction on his role and what we want him to do. I think he has done a really good job for us, a really good role player, killing penalties.
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“He gives us speed, he works hard. He is an intelligent player. He’s always available for the puck and puts the puck in the right place. And he’s capable of doing some things offensively. He’s a good person, too.”
Prior to signing with the Flyers, Bellemare played for Skelleftea AIK of the Swedish Hockey League (formerly Swedish Elite League), where he spent five seasons and posted a total of 64 goals and 61 assists for 125 points in 238 games.