With Chris Prongers status very much in doubt to play next season and facing the strong possibility that Matt Carle will exercise his rights to free agency, the Flyers made an advance strike by re-signing defenseman Nicklas Grossmann to a mulit-year deal on Friday.
Grossmann would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The 27-year-old Swede came to the club shortly before the February trade deadline from Dallas for a second- and third-round pick.
Grossmanns last contract in Dallas was a two-year deal worth 3.25 million with a salary cap hit of 1.625 million.
It is believed this deal is at least three years and worth double his previous cap hit.
Grossmann has given the Flyers a physical, defensive presence. He is easily the clubs best crease-clearer.
He is also a tenacious shot blocker. Grossmann came here with 100 blocked shots from Dallas and has 52 as a Flyer.
NHL
He is currently injured with a right knee sprain and is listed as day-to-day.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net