Bruins' Matt Beleskey auditioning his services

PROVIDENCE -- Matt Beleskey is a realist.

The veteran forward understands he's not in the future plans for the Boston Bruins, which is one reason he's currently playing for the Providence Bruins in the AHL. After being a healthy scratch in 11 of 12 games in November and December, the Bruins assigned him to the minors on Dec. 15. He cleared waivers and is trying to find his game and showcase his abilities for the other 30 teams in the NHL if they want or need his services.

"I'm definitely trying to showcase myself," Beleskey said. "Obviously in Boston, since Bruce (Cassidy) came in, things just haven't worked for me, so if I'm not in their plans hopefully they can put me in a situation to succeed somewhere else. I'm definitely just trying to work hard. Hey, if they want me back in Boston I'll be ready to go, but it just doesn't seem to be working that way."

After this season, Beleskey has two years remaining on his current deal that pays him $3.8 million per season. Since arriving in Providence, he been a true pro, according to P-Bruins coach Jay Leach.

"Matt has been nothing but all-in since coming here," Leach said. "He was excited to come here and play.  The last year, probably year and a half, has been tough with regards to his opportunity to play significant minutes (in Boston). He saw this as an opportunity to get back into playing 13 to 16 minutes per night, which is good for him.

"He's good with our kids and he's a really good guy. You can tell he's got some attributes along the walls and stuff that we really preach to our kids. He's obviously been able to tackle those in his time in the NHL, so he's a great example for us to refer to with our kids. He takes pride in his play and he cares about the guys, so he's been nothing but terrific for us. He's been a great addition."

Being delegated as a healthy scratch for the majority of the season was a major blow to Beleskey's confidence. He's been regaining that aspect of his game in Providence in hopes of another opportunity in Boston or elsewhere in the NHL.

"It's getting better," Beleskey said of his confidence level. "It's tough anytime you go through what I was going through in Boston. I didn't play for a whole month and I get out on the ice here and it's tough just to get your feet back under you. I'm pretty confident with doing extra work with Jay. I've always said if I put the work in then good things are going to happen, so that's what I'm doing.

"It's going good. It's a great group of guys here, good young group and some good leadership in that room. It's fun playing hockey here. Jay's been great with me and my game's starting to come back.

"I was excited about coming here and start playing hockey again, get some confidence and put in some big situations."

In 143 games for the Bruins, Beleskey has 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points, including a minus-12. He was forced out of the lineup by the emergence of the younger core in the organization and became expendable. He's doing everything the Bruins want him to do in Providence.

"Playing the way they want me to play if I am in Boston (playing) that energy role," he said. "Working on my defensive game and something I've been focusing on is getting those shifts when I'm hitting, getting to the net and getting my shots off and they're starting to come.

"I'm just trying to work hard and win hockey games. It's a good team here and I can see a long stretch with this team this year."

Unless, of course, the Bruins trade him before the Feb. 26 deadline.