The salary demands of Alex Belzile are now revealed

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MarcO
June 17, 2023 (1:01)

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Alex Belzile's journey is probably one of the most inspiring in the entire NHL. After many seasons spent in the ECHL and AHL, the Quebec forward finally scored his first goal in the NHL this season, at the age of 31.

As soon as he was recalled by the Canadiens, Belzile seized his chance by showing the Habs' management that he indeed deserved his place in the NHL, having scored 6 goals and 8 assists (14 points) in 31 games this year. His extraordinary intensity made him an important cog in Martin St-Louis' lineup towards the end of the season.

Still without a contract for the coming year, the forward admitted that he would like to stay with the Canadiens. According to what Raphaël Doucet of La Poche Bleue reports, who also spoke with two sources close to the forward to learn more about his salary demands, Belzile would like to receive a one-way contract in order to have a real opportunity to establish himself in the NHL.

"His first goal is to stay in Montreal, but he absolutely wants a one-way contract [valid only in the NHL]. If it doesn't work, he will look at his options."

In addition, according to the information obtained by Raphaël Doucet, the Quebecer would be looking to obtain a contract similar to the one that Michael Pezzetta just signed. Remember that the forward signed a new two-year agreement worth $812,500 per year on June 2.

Unfortunately, the general manager of the Habs, Kent Hughes, has many issues to resolve at the moment and Alex Belzile's is not a priority. It would therefore not be surprising if the forward from Rivière-du-Loup became a free agent in a few days, on July 1st.

"Ideally, Alex would like a one-way for two years, admits our source. Similar to what Michael Pezzetta got. Alex has an amazing attitude. He's a natural leader. You need guys like that in your organization."

Personally, we strongly believe that the Canadiens should grant him a contract extension. For less than a million dollars per season, there is no doubt that Alex Belzile could provide valuable services on the team's fourth line, and that at a very modest price.

Will the Habs offer him a new deal when the free agent market opens, or will the Quebecer have to find a new team? We will have to wait two to three weeks before we have a definitive answer in this case.

Sources: La Poche Bleue