The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have acquired 6″3′, 224-pound defenseman Denis Gauthier (GOH-tyay) from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for left wing Josh Gratton and two second round picks in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, according to General Manager Bob Clarke.

To listen to Gauthier’s conference call with the local media, click here.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Gauthier. “It’s an honor that I’m going to a successful team and a team that wants to win and will do anything to win. There’s not much more you can ask for as a hockey player. I’m going to a team that is aspiring for a Stanley Cup each and every year. I think that it’s a great opportunity for me.”
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From TSN

Assets – Has great size. Loves to play an intimidating brand of defense and land big hits in open ice. Is a great team player and popular man in the dressing room.
Flaws – His rugged style has made him extremely prone to injury. Has a limited offensive game at the NHL level.
Career potential – Physical defenseman.
Injuries
09-Feb-06: Missed 3 games (left shoulder injury).
01-Feb-06: Left shoulder injury, day-to-day.
16-Nov-05: Missed 14 games (fractured finger).
17-Oct-05: Fractured finger, mid-November.

Another trade with Phoenix, Bob Clarke and Michael Barnett must be good buddies.
For Gauthier the Coyotes get Josh Gratton and 2 2nd round draft picks next draft.

The Flyers picked up someone that plays will a little fire, which is what they have been lacking recently. He is unrestricted and will cost the Flyers about $271k this year.
Looks like a good trade to me.

It’s now after 3 and the deadline has passed.
The Flyers held on to the young guys which was great and picked up a defenseman that they really needed.
Former Flyer Mark Recchi was rumored to come back to Philly went to Carolina. Ollie Jokinen who also was rumored coming to the Flyers stayed with the Panthers and signed a 4 year deal.

The one guy I thought would be good getting back was Luke Richardson. The Maple Leafs got him for a conditional draft pick. Something the Flyers could have easily done.
Especially since Therien and Johnsson don’t look like they will be back this year.