Now Belak wants to stay with the Leafs
By TERRY KOSHAN -- Toronto Sun
Wade Belak yesterday quashed his tip-toe through trade talks, but it's clear the Maple Leafs' utility man would not be adverse to a move if it meant he played more.
"After 30 games, if I have (played) three games, I don't think it's fair for myself or the team to keep me around," Belak said. "I have to think of my career. I'm sure things will probably change in the near future, but I haven't been thinking of asking for a trade or anything."
Perhaps, but that's not what Belak told The Fan 590 radio station on Tuesday, when he said he was "pretty close" to asking for a trade because he was not happy with his ice time. In 10 games, Belak has played once, as a defenceman in a 5-4 loss to the New York Rangers on Oct. 15.
Belak said his comments were blown out of proportion.
"I was having a conversation about my situation and kind of jokingly saying the only reason I would ask for a trade would be if I was only playing a game out of every 10," Belak said.
Belak, whom the Leafs claimed off waivers from the Calgary Flames on Feb. 16, 2001, played in 63 games for Toronto last year, and had four points and 142 penalty minutes. There's no doubt he is frustrated with his lack of participation so far this season, and acknowledged he has spoken to general manager/coach Pat Quinn several times about his situation.
"It's tough when you get ready for a game and you're pulled after you warm up," said Belak, who makes $770,000 US. "It's something I have to live with and deal with, I guess. I want to play, and when they pull you out of the lineup like that, it's not good.
"I've talked to (Quinn) lots and he said to just be patient. He has been great to me."
Quinn, to no real surprise, was not impressed that Belak's frustration has become part of the public forum.
"The stupid thing is somebody made something out of this thing and now everybody has this as a big headline," Quinn said. "It's too bad it happens like that here.
"To me, he's the perfect seventh defenceman and 13th forward. Who knows? If he gets more ice time, maybe he becomes a lot better player."
The bottom line, Belak said, is that his desire is to remain with the Leafs.
"This is where I want to be," the 26-year-old said. "It sucks when you are not playing, but at the same time I don't want to be traded from here. It's a great place to play."
