Matt Beleskey has taken the last few days to explore the City of Boston, his new home after signing a five-year contract with the Boston Bruins worth $19 million.
“It’s been fun. A bit of a whirlwind,” Beleskey said Tuesday at TD Garden. “I took a full tour of the city yesterday. I think me and my wife walked the entire city yesterday, too. It’s been great. The reception I’ve gotten so far from fans and the city, it’s been fun.”
Beleskey has appreciated the Bruins’ style of play for a while, and it’s a team he’s watched despite playing on the West Coast his entire NHL career.
“It’s the Boston Bruins. It’s an extremely attractive place to be,” Beleskey said. “I looked at their team and I talked to my agent and my family and it’s always been a place I’ve liked. I didn’t really look at the situation, any team you go to you’re going to have to earn what you get. It was a great opportunity and a great team and I’m just happy to be here.
“It’s an Original Six team. The Big Bad Bruins, they play that physical style, they’ve always been a team I’ve liked watching. … It was exciting, it’s always been a team I’ve always been drawn to. I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Beleskey should be a fan favorite in Boston with his power forward-style of play, which fits in well with the culture the Bruins have established throughout their history. The Bruins need scoring after the offseason departures of Milan Lucic and Dougie Hamilton, and Beleskey will be counted on to provide offense in a top-six or top-nine role.
READ: Beleskey would be great fit with David Krejci >>
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
