Tag: pierre-edouard bellemare

SEATTLE, WA – This sentence is a melancholy one to write, because it’s likely the last time “Pierre-Edouard Bellemare” and “Seattle Kraken” will appear together without the word “former.”

Not because the Kraken can’t find a better on-ice player than the 39-year-old pending free agent. They can, and they need to, just as every roster spot needs to be evaluated every year.

But under the category “intangibles,” whatever club employs Bellemare automatically earns a check mark.

SEATTLE, WA – Kraken forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare claims he doesn’t think he’d make a great hockey coach.

Not that Bellemare, who appeared in his 697^th NHL game Friday night at age 39, is ready to move on from his playing career just yet. It’s just that folks tend to note that he isn’t getting any younger and feel his insights and motivational techniques might make for a great role behind a bench in the not-so-distant future.

To which he laughs.

“I don’t think I’d be too good at it,” he said after Friday’s morning skate at Honda Center before the Kraken played the Anaheim Ducks. “I get frustrated when players complain too much about ice time and stuff. You think the coach is doing it to make himself feel good? He’s doing what’s best to try to motivate you and get the best out of you.

TORONTO, ONT – The National Hockey League (NHL) and National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) today announced the completion of a Leaguewide educational tour led by members of the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition (NHL PIC). Beginning at the start of the 2023-24 season, NHL PIC members hosted one-hour guided conversations with active Players in all 32 locker rooms where discussions focused on diversity and inclusion, emphasizing how inclusion builds the foundation for stronger and higher-performing teams.

TAMPA BAY – Pierre-Edouard Bellemare made his mark with the Lightning as the consummate locker room guy, a player who could lift his teammates with his ever-positive demeanor and genuine appreciation for playing the game.

But in finding a new home with the Seattle Kraken this season at age 38, Bellemare wants to show he still has more hockey left in him on the ice.

“It was not that something was wrong here in Tampa,” Bellemare said. “It was more like, ‘OK, how can I challenge myself to be more like I was a few years ago and instead of being maybe set back a little bit.”

In the first period of his first game back in Tampa with the Kraken, Bellemare was honored with a video tribute, and given a standing ovation by the Amalie Arena crowd. The Kraken ultimately escaped with a 4-3 overtime triumph.

SEATTLE, WA – Pierre-Edouard Bellemare knew quite a bit about the Seattle Kraken even before signing a one-year contract with the team this summer. The center played for Dave Hakstol when both were with the Flyers organization; he played with Andre Burakovsky in Colorado; and for 15 years, the Frenchman has lived a few houses down from friend and Kraken assistant captain Adam Larsson in Sweden.

But beyond the personal connections, there’s a bite to Bellemare’s game on the ice and the special ability to motivate and mentor off the ice that makes him a solid addition to the Seattle roster.

“I think (Bellemare) brings a lot,” Larsson said. “Even in the dressing room (he is) a veteran presence. He’s vocal and obviously he’s a proven steady center. I’m sure he will like the way we play here and how the team works together. I have only good things to say about him.”

SEATTLE, WA – Seattle training camp continued Friday at Kraken Community Iceplex, with new rounds of drills, scrimmages, and conditioning exercises. Among the new campers is Pierre-Edouard Bellmare, the pride of Le Blanc-Mesnil, France.

Pierre brings to the Kraken veteran savvy, penalty killing know-how, faceoff expertise, and a smile as wide as the Columbia river. Get to know Bellemare in today’s Kraken Reaction video.

SEATTLE, WA – The Kraken continued to restock fourth-line options Friday, agreeing to terms with veteran forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, 38, on a one-year contract ($775K average annual value).

Born in Le Blanc-Mesnil, France, Bellemare has enjoyed a late-starting but successful career. He has played nine seasons in the NHL, not making his league debut until 2014 at age 29. He moved through multiple European leagues, playing in France and Sweden, before getting a chance with the Philadelphia Flyers.

He was only the ninth player born in France to reach the NHL at the time. He went on to break Antoine Roussel’s league record for most games played by a Frenchman with his 608th career game Dec. 1. He trails only Roussel in career goals, assists and points.

TORONTO, ONT – The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is awarded annually by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to ice hockey.