The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have re-signed 6’2″, 200-pound center R.J. Umberger to a new two-year contract, according to club General Manager Bob Clarke. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

“We think that R.J. Umberger proved that he is a good, solid National Hockey League player with tremendous upside and he is only going to get better,” said Clarke in making the announcement. “Last year, he was really good for us. He is one of the future building blocks of our organization. There is nothing not to like about the way that R.J. plays the game and experience will make him better. He plays hard. He plays with determination. He has good skills and speed. He is just a good, complete hockey player.” [.continue.]

Seems like Umberger wants to be around for awhile, eh?

Branko Radivojevic.

The name alone oozes old-time hockey. It says, “gritty, energetic, rough and tumble” All are pretty accurate descriptions of Branko Radivojevic, the latest in a slew of recent signings by the Minnesota Wild that are beginning to make October 5 look like Christmas morning. [.continue.]

Flyers sign Randy Robitaille from the Wild. The Wild signs Branko from the Flyers.
While it was not a trade but free agents signing one still has to compare the two.
The Flyers got an older smaller guy whose offensive numbers were a little better and shoots left.

Always liked Radivojevic, but given the choice between the two I think I would take Robitaille.

According to the NHL Players Association website R.J. Umberger took the arbitration route in negotiating a contract with the Flyers. He is the only Flyer to do so.
Drafted by Vancouver in the 1st round Umberger never signed with them, over money issues. He didn’t play a year but then signed in 2004 with the Flyers. Umberger has played one season at the NHL level and takes arbitration?
Hhmmm …. According to Shawn every player that has taken the Flyers to arbitration recently has been traded within a year.
Should we take bets now on when he will be traded?

At least the Flyers aren’t going through what Buffalo is right now. Twelve players going to arbitration? Wow.

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with 5’11”, 190-pound center Mark Cullen, according to club Assistant General Manager Paul Holmgren. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

“Mark Cullen is an extremely smart, skilled hockey player,”said Holmgren in making the announcement. “He is a guy who we think will upgrade the overall skill on our team and make us a better team. We feel that he is a player who is just on the cusp of becoming a really solid player under the new rules. We think that he will fit in very nicely with our team.”

“I am just really excited to be a part of the Flyers Organization,” said Cullen. “There is such a storied history with the Flyers and to become part of that is going to be great. I am really thrilled. I am a smaller guy. Since the rules have changed, it has helped a lot of guys in my situation. Now I can use my speed and quickness more without being held and things like that. That is the main reason how it (the rule changes) has helped me.” [.continue.]

First I have to say with the Flyers signing these ‘hidden gems’ it is hard sometimes to find a decent action photo of them. This is Mark Cullen with some Houston Aero’s Fans back in 2002. Although it would have been a much more interesting picture if it was taken about 2 seconds later.

So the Flyers sign another center. Now there are 11. Mark Cullen is another guy like the previous signings. He has a chance to play but might be someone to add some depth to the Phantoms.

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have re-signed 6″0′, 195-pound goaltender Antero Niittymaki to a new one-year contract, according to club General Manager Bob Clarke. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

“Antero Niittymaki has proven that he is a terrific, young goaltender,” said Clarke in making the announcement. “Last year at the Olympics, he confirmed to everybody the high level of goaltending that he can play and we believe that he is going to play like that this upcoming season.” [.continue.]

Finally one of the Flyer’s Restricted Free Agents is signed.
Hhmmm… a one year deal.
I think Clarke wants to see if Frank is the real deal before locking him into a long term contract. So until Esche is moved (which I think will happen this year unless Nitty has a sophomore slump) the “goalie controversy” remains.

One down, 3 more to go, Gagne, Umberger and Pitkanen.

Flyers announced today that they have signed center iceman and faceoff specialist Randy Robitaille. Per club policy of course, financial terms were not disclosed.

Clarke: “Robitaille was one of Minnesota’s leading scorers last year. He was their top faceoff man and can play center or wing. He had 40 points, is a really good skater and can play both ends of the rink. We believe that he’ll add to our offense next season.”

Randy: “It is definitely exciting news to b part of an organization such as the Philadelphia Flyers. Obviously, they are a first-class organization who looks to achieve great things each year and winning the Stanley Cup is their first priority.

“Especially with the way the new NHL is going, speed and skill are at a premium. I am 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, so I like to try to use my speed and playmaking abilities to generate offense for the hockey club. The Flyers have some pretty big-name guys and I just want to contribute any way that I can.”

The Flyers sign defenseman Lars Jonsson to a 1 year contract reportedly worth $450,000, the league minimum.
Jonsson a Swede was a first round draft pick of the Boston Bruins in 2000. He has not played in the NHL or even the AHL. He has played in the Swedish Elite League

According to TSN
Assets Plays with poise. Moves the puck out of the defensive zone efficiently. Owns untapped offensive potential.
Flaws Must make better use of his 6-1 frame. Has yet to put it all together against top competition.
Career potential Top six defenseman.

The Flyers with this signing are taking some what of a chance with Jonsson. Given that it only costs the Flyers league minimum pay I say why not, especially for a decent puck moving defenseman. He can’t be any worse than a certain defenseman playing last year for the Flyers at league minimum.