Next victim: Belfour could sign today

[Anthony]

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...607110414/1053

Agent: Belfour could sign today


July 11, 2006

BY HELENE ST. JAMES
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

The agent for goaltender Ed Belfour sounded optimistic that a deal could be announced as soon as today.

"We are moving towards our mutual goal of making Ed Belfour a Red Wing," Ron Salcer, Belfour's agent, said Monday evening. Salcer said he and Wings general manager Ken Holland are talking numbers.

"In my talks with Ken, there's a deal to be made with the Red Wings," he said. "The interest is on both sides. We're looking to get something done."

Holland was not available for comment, but Red Wings spokesman John Hahn said Holland had talked to the camps for Belfour and Dominik Hasek.

But while the Wings went after Belfour, it was Hasek's side that contacted the Wings, and they had very little interest. With Hasek's history of groin injures, he poses an even greater risk than Belfour, who had back surgery last spring. The Wings took the step of having Belfour come to Detroit last Wednesday for a three-hour physical, which he passed.

Belfour, 41, is coming off a subpar season, going 22-22 last season with a 3.29 goals-against average and .892 save percentage. But he backstopped Dallas to the Stanley Cup in 1999, and, having spent the past three seasons with Toronto, he's demonstrated he can handle being scrutinized come playoff time.

He appeals to the Wings for several reasons: He's a proven veteran. He's willing to accept a one-year deal. He's willing to work cheap. The Wings are looking to sign him for $500,000, with incentives.

That, in fact, might be what's holding up the deal. Because the base salary is relatively low, Belfour likely is seeking a guarantee that he would be the starter rather than having to battle for it with Chris Osgood.

All the Wings are looking for is a capable veteran to serve as a stopgap until Jimmy Howard is ready for the NHL. They had to pick someone, as Steve Yzerman reflected when asked about the situation Sunday.

"If you look at the goaltenders that are out there and still available, everybody comes with a huge price tag or lack of experience or some type of past injury situation," Yzerman said. "Every goalie out there is somewhat of a gamble. That's the dilemma we're facing."