"I wanted a so-called one-way contract, which is to say the same salary regardless of whether I played in the NHL or a farm team," the 24-year-old Norwegian told the state radio network NRK today. "That makes things more predictable for me and my family."

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said by phone that he had hoped Thoresen would return. Holmgren said the Flyers were notified last week that Thoresen would not play for them next season.

"It's one of those things now with hockey in Europe, especially with the European players, that it might be an option for them," Holmgren said. "He added something to our team. This is just one of those things."

In February, the Flyers claimed Thoresen on waivers from the Edmonton Oilers, which he joined in 2006. He said because that change of teams was so recent, he can't immediately negotiate contracts with other NHL clubs.

"That made matters difficult and is also the main reason I've decided to spend a year in Europe," said Thoresen, who turned professional in 2003. "After that, I'm a free agent."

He made it clear that he wants to return to the NHL.

Thoresen said he had offers from a variety of European clubs, and would probably either play in Switzerland or Sweden, where he played for one of the Nordic country's most successful clubs, Djurgarden, from 2003 until he joined the Oilers.

Thoresen had two goals and eight points in 38 games for the Flyers. He suffered a groin injury in the first round of the playoffs against Washington.