For 4 years he had bounced between the NHL and the Capitals' minor league affiliate in Maine. He needed to prove that he could play and he needed a place to improve his game. So he went to Europe for three seasons.

It was a move that saved his NHL career and ultimately led to him being signed by the Flyers as a free-agent forward on Tuesday.

"I think [going to Europe] gave me a chance to get me some exposure, and I got to work on my skating and I got a little bit quicker," Metropolit said yesterday.

The exposure to the European scouts earned him a shot at Team Canada and the 2006 World Championships, which led to a contract with the Atlanta Thrashers, then the Boston Bruins, and now the Flyers.

"Obviously [Europe] opened up the door to the World Championships, so I got to go there and prove myself,'' he said. "I was with the big guys again for Team Canada and I think that opened up some eyes, and then finally to get my foot back in, [general manager] Don Waddell gave me a chance in Atlanta.

"You don't go over [to Europe] just to chase the money. In my situation, I went to Finland to get better. I wanted to come back and prove to everyone that I could play at this level. I wanted to go there to work hard and get back here and initially get away from Washington at the time. Right now it's working out."

Apparently, proving himself is something Metropolit is good at. Because even after coming back to the NHL with Atlanta, he was traded to St. Louis. After a poor second half of the 2006-07 season, he found himself without a contract offer as a free agent.

Boston gave him a tryout and he responded with a 33-point, 82-game season that was enough to catch the attention of the Flyers, who signed him to a 2-year, $2 million contract.

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren described Metropolit, 34, as a "useful player" who can move throughout the lineup, play all forward positions and kill penalties like the recently traded R.J. Umberger did.

Metropolit said yesterday he is looking forward to doing whatever he can to help the Flyers.

"I know I will be able to score, especially with the talent that will be on the front end with [Danny] Briere and the likes of that," he said. "If I get a good chance to play with some good players, I know I can produce.

"I played center all last year, I enjoyed playing center. I have played the wing, too. I have played everywhere and I don't mind playing the wing as well. It does not really matter.

"It's where they think I will fit best for the team. I will be ready for whatever position they put me at except goalie!"

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