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Boucher signs with Phantoms

Brian Boucher is coming back to Philadelphia. Except, barring unforeseen circumstances, it is not with the Flyers. The 30-year-old goalie, who helped the Flyers reach the Eastern Conference finals as a rookie in 2000, signed a contract with the AHL's Phantoms yesterday.

Brian Boucher is coming back to Philadelphia. Except, barring unforeseen circumstances, it is not with the Flyers.

The 30-year-old goalie, who helped the Flyers reach the Eastern Conference finals as a rookie in 2000, signed a contract with the AHL's Phantoms yesterday.

"Brian is a good goalie who will add depth to the organization and solidify our goaltending situation," general manager Paul Holmgren said in a statement.

Boucher, who was traded by the Flyers to Phoenix in June 2002, appeared in 18 games for Chicago and Columbus last season with a 2-11-3 record and 3.34 goals-against average. The Blue Jackets claimed him off waivers in late February; his season was ended by a shoulder injury suffered in practice in late March. He became an unrestricted free agent July 1.

In three seasons with the Flyers from 1999-2000 through 2001-02, Boucher posted a 46-38-12 record, 2.45 goals against and seven shutouts in 103 regular-season games.

Boucher previously spent time with the Phantoms, compiling a 36-20-9 record in parts of three seasons, including the 1998 Calder Cup championship team.

Giroux signs

The Flyers signed 2006 first-round draft pick Claude Giroux to an entry-level contract.

The Flyers signed 2006 first-round draft pick Claude Giroux to an entry-level contract.

The right wing, chosen 22nd overall, had 48 goals and 64 assists in 63 regular-season games last season for Gatineau, of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He finished the season with the Phantoms, posting a goal and an assist in five games.

Giroux, 19, has 2 years of junior eligibility remaining and is likely to return to juniors next season even though he is old enough to play in the AHL. His development likely would be helped by staying in junior, rather than turning pro to play for the Phantoms. He played in the AHL at the end of last season by signing an amateur contract after his junior season ended. *