According to the always reliable Bill Meltzer, the Flyers have inked Finnish center Mika Pyorala to a deal. Terms are yet to be disclosed.
Pyorala is noted for his two-way game and the ability to play multiple positions. According to Bill, who is an expert on European talent, Pyorala is at most a third-line player in the NHL, but could be a decent find.
The 28-year old scored 21 goals and 22 assists in 55 games last season with Timra, of the SEL. The knock on Mika may be his size. Listed at 6-0, 175 lbs., he needs to put on some weight if he plans on staying in the NHL.
Although increasingly likely, it is still unclear whether Pyorala is in the Flyers’ plans to play for the big club in 2009-10, but it would fit the shut-down center role the team desperately desires.
Phila.Bright 