Francios Beauchemin is a Leaf!!

The much anticipated Maple Leafs rumor came true on Monday afternoon when GM Brian Burke went ahead and pulled the trigger on signing another physical presence in 6 foot blue liner Francois Beauhemin. For weeks there were rumors that Burke,who knows this hard- hitting blue liner well from their days with the Anaheim Ducks was going to obtain this six year veteran even though he played in only 20 games last year due to tearing his ACL in November. This former Montreal Canadiens 1998 third round draft choice returned in time for the post season where he was healthy and produced a goal and a +1 rating in 13 games.

“Francois will be a welcome addition to our blueline,” Burke said about Beauhemin who won a Stanley Cup with Burke back in 2007 where Burke was GM at the time. “He’s a rock solid, steady defender that will add character to our team.” Beauhemin never got an opportunity in Montreal as he only played one game in his career with them before toiling in the minors and eventually getting claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets off the waiver wire on September 14, 2004. After some more minor league seasoning this Sorel Quebec native made it to the NHL to stay in 2005/06 when he joining the Blue Jackets. After only 11 games he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks where he went on to score 34 points and a +8 rating in 61 games. In his four campaigns with the Ducks he was often used against the opponents number one scorer and was known for often delivering momentum swinging body checks. With the likes of Mike Komisarek and Garnett Exelby,Burke has fulfilled his earlier promise of making he Leafs a bigger and tougher team to play against. Beauhemin has signed a three year deal worth 3.8 million per season.