The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have re-signed 6’3″, 215-pound defenseman Joni Pitkanen to a new one-year contract, according to club General Manager Bob Clarke. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

“Joni Pitkanen is a player who made great strides in his development last season and we feel can one day be one of the top defensemen in the league,” said Clarke in making the announcement. “His importance to the team is along the same lines as Jeff Carter, Mike Richards and R.J. Umberger and it is a priority for us to make sure that our younger players remain in the organization.”[.continue.]

I am glad to see the signing. I am a little surprised at the one year deal, but I am guessing it had something to do with the injury last year. Pitkanen was the best defenseman offensively last season until he got injured. He did not have the same impact when he came back in the second half.
If he does well this season I can see him signing a long term deal next year.

Now if we could just get Gagne signed. Clarke did say he would be signed this week. The clock is ticking.