Mark Bell is now a New York Ranger. The Rangers just picked up the Marlies forward off re-entry waivers.
Mark Bell came over with Vesa Toskala back in June 2007. Later that summer, while at a BBQ, my brother Ryan told me Mark Bell could score 40 goals. I almost choked on my burger.
Once I recovered, we made what came to be known as The Mark Bell bet. If Mark Bell would score 20 or more goals in the 2007-2008 NHL season, I'd owe my brother $50. If he scored 19 or less, he'd owe me $50. I remarked at the time that this was akin to taking candy from a baby.
Bell, for the record, did score two goals in the final two games that season, finishing with four. Here's how I recapped that final game of last season, his final game as a Toronto Maple Leaf.
Mark Fucking Bell. He scored again last night. He's the epitome of what's wrong with this team. The GM wanted him, rumour has it Gilmour convinced JFJ that Bell was a great score, personal and legal issues aside, he was a waste of space on the ice when he wasn't suspended or injured. Sure, two goals in a couple of garbage games doubled his season output to a whopping and impressive 4 goals, but he still had a spot on this roster. He was still worthy of wearing the blue and white in NHL contests. He won me a bet, but gave me an ulcer. I'd gladly cough up $50 to regain my dignity, my self respect, a little pride.
Farewell, Mark Bell. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
