Thursday, July 30, 2009

Flyers officially sign Tollefsen, goodbye Randy Jones?

As expected, the Flyers have signed defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen. Tollefsen was in Philly a few days ago getting examined by the Flyers training staff, and as long as he checked out, the team was going to sign him. He signed a one year deal with the Flyers, but his salary has not been announced. Tollefsen made $675,000 with the Blue Jackets last season, so I would expect a number in that range.

The signing of Tollefsen likely means the end of Randy Jones as a Flyer. Jones is set to make 2.75 million next season, so moving him and allowing Tollefsen to be the 6th defenseman could free up 2 million bucks for the Flyers to sign another forward. Hockeybuzz has been hinting that the Kings are interested in Jones, so look for that move to come soon. There also have been several rumors out there about who the Flyers might add at forward, from Petr Sykora to Miro Satan to Todd Bertuzzi, none of whom impress me too much.

Tollefsen may not be much of an upgrade over Jones, but he will bring a ton of energy and give the Flyers another player no wants to find themselves alone with along the boards. The fact that the Flyers were able to get him rather cheaply and can now pursue another forward makes it look even better. With the moves the Flyers have made this offseason, they are quickly becoming a team that no one will want to play against. This will be a team that all Flyer fans will love but everyone else is going to hate.

UPDATE: Tollefsen signed for 600,000, good deal.

6 comments:

Jeff Iannuzzi said...

We've gotten so much bigger this offseason, and I love it. Pronger, Laperriere, and now Tollefsen. Of the remaining free agent forwards, I would like Bertuzzi or Sykora if we're looking at a wing, or Peca if we're looking at a third line center.

allthingsphilly said...

Adding Bertuzzi would just fill this team to the brim with players that have bad reputations and that no one likes. Not saying it's a bad thing, though!

Joe Linden said...

love the new header! will you have one for all four major sports?

allthingsphilly said...

Thanks, Joe. Yep, the plan is to rotate headers for the different seasons. I'm always tweaking, so look for changes here and there

Anonymous said...

since vinny prospal has just bent let go i think the flyers have a desiscion between vinny sykora or satan all of them make about the same money i wont get to excited because if this doesnt happen i will just be dissapointed but cmon flyyers bring back vinny

allthingsphilly said...

I'm not in favor of bringing Vinny Prospal back. He isn't a good locker room guy and didn't even seem to want to be in Philly last time he was here.