While the Habs anxiously await the decision of
free agent C Mats Sundin, GM Bob Gainey continues to tie up the loose ends.
After re-signing Jaroslav Halak and Josh Gorges earlier in the week, the Habs
acquired D Shawn Belle from the Wild in exchange for Bulldogs C Corey Locke.
Belle, the 30th overall pick in 2003 by St. Louis, stands 6’1 and weighs 232
lbs. This is his 4th NHL team already, as he was also part of the Dallas
organization before joining Minnesota. The former Tri-City American (yes,
he played with Carey Price) skated with the Houston Aeros this past season,
picking up a modest 3 points (1-2-3) in 63 games with an even rating and 74 PIMS.
He made his NHL debut in 2006-07, picking up an assist in 9 games. His
career stats are listed below:
| Level | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHL | 9 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +4 | 0 |
| AHL | 181 | 7 | 19 | 26 | -13 | 228 |
| WHL | 253 | 30 | 87 | 117 | -4 | 274 |
Meanwhile, Locke, the 113th overall pick in
that same 2003 draft, led the Bulldogs in scoring for the 2nd straight season in
2007-08. He posted career highs in both goals (30) and assists (42) with
Hamilton, and also made his NHL debut with the Habs (although it took 2 trips to
make it for his one game). Reports back in May suggested Locke was being
courted by a Swiss team but as of yet, he had yet to do so. Interestingly
enough, his old junior linemate, Matt Foy, was with the Wild up until July 1st;
he has since joined the St. Louis Blues though.