The Philadelphia Flyers made small, but necessary moves by signing depth center Glen Metropolit from the Boston Bruins and Ossi Vaananen from the Colorado Avalanche.
Metropolit is an upgrade over Jim Dowd as the fourth line center, but also has the o
ffensive capability to fill in as the third line center as well, scoring 11 goals and 22 assists with the Bruins last season. He is excellent defensively and can play on the penalty kill efficiently.
Vaananen signed a one-year deal worth $1 million. He is a Finnish defender with little offensive skill but has an ability to make a good outlet pass and is a punishing hitter. Twenty-seven year old Vaananen is 6.04, 215lbs and depending on his training camp with the Flyers, could be the physical replacement for Jason Smith or become the seventh replacement defender. Vaananen played in the Swedish Elite League last season and was outstanding. If he can stay healthy it will be an excellent signing for the Flyers.
Phila.Bright 