"Bryan has been around a number of years now [and] he has been a good defenseman for quite some time," general manager Paul Holmgren said.

Berard, 31, was the No. 1 overall draft pick of the Ottawa Senators in 1995, but refused to sign and was traded to the New York Islanders.

In 619 career games covering 12 years with the Islanders, Toronto, New York Rangers, Boston, Chicago and Columbus, Berard has 76 goals and 247 assists. Last season with the Islanders, he had five goals and 17 assists in 54 games.

Berard suffered a severe eye injury in 2000 while playing with Toronto that was thought to be career-ending. He made it back to the NHL but tested positive for steroids in 2005 after he was listed on a U.S. Olympic preliminary roster, and was banned from international competition for 2 years.

He wasn't suspended by the NHL because the failed test wasn't a part of the league's drug program.

"I thank the Flyers for giving me this opportunity to try out," Berard said. "I am really looking forward to this." *