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Beleskey ‘hopeful’ to get a deal done in Anaheim

Matt Beleskey

Matt Beleskey

AP

With new career highs in goals (20) and points (27) already established, Matt Beleskey is hoping to cash in.

The 26-year-old is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season and is looking for a raise on the two-year, $2.7 million contract, which is expiring.

“Talks are continuing, and we are hopeful that we will be able to get something done,” Beleskey’s agent Murray Kurtz told the Orange County Register. “It’s an ongoing process and I honestly can tell you that both sides want to find a solution.

“As mentioned previously, Matt’s priority is to stay in Anaheim with the Ducks. We haven’t set any deadlines, and to my knowledge neither have they. We will continue to work with the Ducks management in the hopes of keeping Matt in Anaheim for a very long time.”

Beleskey’s contract status has made him the subject of trade rumors; however, he insists he’d like to remain in Anaheim long-term.

“You do think about the future,” Beleskey said last month. “I want nothing more than to stay in Anaheim. I’ve never been anywhere else and I don’t think there’s a reason to go anywhere else.

“This is where I’d like to be. Hopefully we’ll see what happens.”

As Eric Stephens points out, general manager Bob Murray and the Ducks will have to keep in mind future contract negotiations with defensemen Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen.

Both are likely due for a raise after next season.

Ryan Kesler will also become unrestricted after the 2015-16 season.

As much as both sides in the Beleskey negations may want to get a deal done, Murray has to make sure he doesn’t handcuff himself with this deal considering what’s to come.

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