Ed Belfour is pondering a new three-year contract that would make him only the second Blackhawk to receive $1 million this season. He would earn exactly that in the first year of the deal, just behind defenseman Chris Chelios` $1.1 million this year.
The $3.2 million proposal would swell to $1.1 million each of the last two years. The Hawks are waiting to hear from Ron Salcer, Belfour`s agent.
– The National Hockey League statistics that keep track of individual accomplishments have numerous categories with several names listed in each, but there isn`t a Hawk anywhere.
Even Pittsburgh, a Stanley Cup champion the last two years, has added a formidable rookie to its ranks. Shawn McEachern`s seven points made him the second-highest-scoring freshman through Saturday`s games.
The absence of recognition reflects how it has gone for the Hawks. Normally, Chelios` offense would have him among the top 14 defensemen listed, but his seven points didn`t make the cutoff. However, he did score his third goal Sunday.
– Belfour was the backup Sunday to starter Jimmy Waite after he started the previous four games. Belfour`s overtime loss Thursday at the Stadium against New Jersey was only the 11th time he has failed either to win or tie on home ice in the last three seasons.
”Eddie has a long ways to go,” coach Darryl Sutter said, ”but his last two losses were more a reflection of team play, not his.”