Flyers sign trio of low-cost forwards

In their search to add cheap talent, the Flyers have added three more forwards to the mix, signing Jason Ward, Krys Kolanos and Lukas Kaspar. None of the three are worth getting too excited about as they will likely spend a lot of time with the Phantoms, but each could get some time with the Flyers.

Ward is the most accomplished of the three players and therefore could spend the most time with the big club. Ward, formerly with the Lightning, Kings, Rangers and Canadiens, mostly played in the AHL last season but has played in 336 NHL games, putting up 36 goals and 45 assists. He signed a one year deal worth 500,000.

Kolanos was the 19th overall pick in the 2000 Draft, but never quite reached his potential in several seasons with the Coyotes, Oilers, Flames and Wild. In 136 NHL games, Kolanos has put up 20 goals and 21 assists. He had an excellent season in the AHL last year, notching 51 points in 41 games. He also signed a one year deal worth 500,000.

The most exciting of the three signed players is Kaspar. At almost 24 years old, Kaspar has spent the last few seasons with the Sharks, bouncing from the AHL to the NHL. He is also a former top pick, selected 22 overall in the 2004 draft, and moves well for a big guy. In 16 career NHL games, he has 2 goals and 2 assists.

None of these signings are worth getting too excited about, but this is about all the Flyers can do as they are right up against the cap. The signing of players like this and Mike Pyorala are to ensure that the Flyers have depth should injuries occur. Of course, should any surprise in camp, there will likely be a 4th line job open to them.