[Phils20]

Flyers' deal adds depth to defense

By CHUCK GORMLEY
Special to The News Journal PHILADELPHIA -- In his postseason assessment of the Flyers, general manager Paul Holmgren expressed the need to get faster on the blue line, even if it meant giving up some depth at the forward position.
On Friday, Holmgren put those words into action by trading 23-year-old forward prospect Ryan Potulny to the Edmonton Oilers for 22-year-old puck-moving defenseman Danny Syvret.
Although both players are young, neither has established himself as an NHL player.
But there may be more moves coming. The Ottawa Sun reported Friday that the Flyers have shown interest in 21-year-old Ottawa defenseman Andrej Meszaros and might be willing to give up Scottie Upshall or R.J. Umberger to get him.
Meszaros was one of just two Senators to play in all 82 games this season. He recorded nine goals and 27 assists while averaging 21:02 of ice time. A smart and skilled defenseman, Meszaros would fit in nicely on the Flyers' second defense pairing, possibly alongside Derian Hatcher or Ryan Parent.
Meszaros also might fit better under the NHL salary cap than unrestricted free agents Brian Campbell, Mark Streit, Wade Redden and John-Michael Liles.
Meszaros made $984,000 this season and likely is seeking a four-year deal worth about $3.4 million a season.
Umberger, who also is a restricted free agent, made $1.25 million this season and could be seeking $3 million to $4 million next season.
Upshall will make $1.25 million next season before becoming a restricted free agent next offseason.
As for Friday's deal, Holmgren said he believes Syvret will improve the Flyers' overall depth on defense.
"He had some success playing with Jeff Carter and Mike Richards at the 2005 World Junior Championship as a member of the Team Canada," Holmgren said.
Syvret played the entire 2007-08 season in the AHL, recording two goals and 18 assists in 63 games for the Springfield Falcons and Hershey Bears.
Potulny posted an assist in seven games for the Flyers this season. He also had 21 goals and 26 assists in 58 games for the Phantoms.