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Matt Beleskey

Born:June 7, 1988Draft: 2006 Ducks, 112th Overall
Hometown:Windsor, OntarioPosition:Left Wing
Known For:477 Career NHL GamesShoots:Left
National Team:CanadaCurrent Status:Retired

Matt Beleskey (born June 7, 1988) is a former Canadian ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the New York Rangers during the 2018-2019 season. Drafted 112th overall by Anaheim Ducks in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Beleskey finished off his four-year run with the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League in 2007-08, serving as the team’s captain and registering 90 points in 62 games. His road to the NHL was a difficult one, as his offensive game didn’t translate well into the NHL, forcing the Ducks to balance his time in the NHL with some development in the American Hockey League (AHL). His 18 points in 60 games during the 2009-10 season failed to impress Anaheim’s management, and he spent the following year splitting the season between the NHL and AHL.

In 2014-15, Beleskey broke out of his shell and registered his first and only 20-goal season, posting a career high in goals (22). Due to it being a contract year, the Ducks’ offer to Beleskey’s camp was rejected, and he signed a five-year deal with the Boston Bruins. His first season with the new team was a good follow-up to the last year, as he registered 15 goals and and a career high 37 points. Unfortunately, his efforts on the ice stagnated, leading up to his eventual demotion and subsequent trade during the 2017-18 season. He was involved in the package that was sent to the Rangers in order for Boston to acquire forward Rick Nash.

Matt Beleskey Boston Bruins
Matt Beleskey, seen here with the Boston Bruins (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Seen as a throw-in, Beleskey appeared in one game for the Rangers that season, spending the remainder of the year in the AHL. The following season, he scored one goal in four games with New York, and spent the entirety of the following year in the AHL. Beleskey retired at the conclusion of the 2019-20 season, finishing the year with 26 points in 56 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Matt Beleskey Statistics

Trade Tracker

DateTraded FromTraded WithTraded ToTraded For
Feb. 25, 2018Boston Bruins First-Round Pick 2018
(Jacob Bernard-Docker)
Seventh-Round Pick 2019
(Massimo Rizzo)
Ryan Spooner
Ryan Lindgren
New York RangersRick Nash

Deeper Dive

Achievements

  • CHL Top Prospects Game (2006)
  • OHL Third All-Star Team (2008)

Sources