Kris Beech

I was actually thinking about not posting this card (or one of his other two contemporaries as well) on here ever.  But since my goal is to try and obtain an auto of every Penguin player, I'm obligated.

I've spoken of my disdain for the "Washington 3" on many occasions in conversations with people, in forums, on this blog, and anywhere people will listen.  For those that don't remember, Beech was infamously part of the trade Pittsburgh made in 2001, dealing Jaromir Jagr (and Frantisek Kucera but who cares) to the Washington Capitals for Kris here, Michal Sivek and Ross Lupaschuk.  This trade was basically the equivalent of the settlers buying Manhattan from the Native Americans for some beads and small pox-laden blankets.  But I digress.

Beech was drafted from the Calgary Hitmen by the Capitals in the 1999 NHL Entry draft...7th overall!  Yes, another in a long line of Top 10 draft pick disappointments.  After coming to the Pens, he played in 95 games over three seasons (79 in 2001-02), putting up 27 points (10 G, 16 A).  Of course, with this being hardly (go figure) enough to keep a job, they sent him packing to the Predators...who traded him back to Washington so they could anchor their AHL team for the playoffs.

But my favorite Beech story is his adventure on waivers in January 2008.  On the 10th, he was claimed from Columbus by Vancouver, played four games and was placed back on waivers.  On the 23rd, he was reclaimed for a third time, by Washington.  This time he didn't even suit up.  Within a few days, he was again placed on waivers and picked up for the second time by the Penguins (he only played in 5 games).  Four teams, 31 days.  Superstar!!