Off to Sweden

Former Florida Panther Goalie, Eddie 'The Eagle' Belfour, in all probability won't be playing in the NHL during the 2007-08 season.

Swedish newspaper Sport-Expressen is reporting that former Florida goalie Ed Belfour is close to signing a deal with Leksand, a second-division team in the Swedish Elite League.

Belfour, who was Florida's starter for most of the 2006-07 season, found out there aren't many spots available for goalies in the NHL this offseason. The Panthers said they had interest in Belfour, but that was before they sent three draft picks to Nashville for All-Star goalie Tomas Vokoun hours before the 2007 draft began in Columbus, Ohio.

If Belfour signs, it would mark his first stop in a European pro league. Belfour, 42, set a Panthers record with 27 consecutive starts (the record had been 22) and went 27-17-10 with a 2.77 goals-against average last season.

Considered a Hall of Famer once he retires, Belfour has played 17 NHL seasons and is third with 484 career victories.

It's probable that if Belfour does sign to play overseas, he would have an out clause allowing him to return to the NHL.

Belfour did a good job last year with the Panthers. He did tire out at the end of the season, but this the result of his playing over 20 straight games in goal near season's end. At age 42 I still feel he can be a good backup goalie in the NHL.

Good luck in Sweden Eddie.

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