Flyers, Knuble talking as deadline nears
AP
RW Mikael Samuelsson (right) is an unrestricted free agent. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Flyers' pursuit of Mike Knuble is going down to the wire.
At noon today, Knuble, who turns 37 on Saturday, can become an unrestricted free agent, but general manager Paul Holmgren said last night that he and the right winger's agent were "chipping away" in an attempt to sign a contract.
"I'm still hopeful we can get it done," Holmgren said.
Holmgren did not close the door on signing prospective free agents Antero Niittymaki or Andrew Alberts, but said it was "questionable" on whether they would be re-signed.
At noon today, free agents can negotiate with other teams.
If Knuble and Niittymaki are not re-signed, the Flyers could be searching for help in the free-agent market. (Winger Chad LaRose and goalies Craig Anderson and Scott Clemmensen are available.) Holmgren, however, feels he has a solid enough farm system that he can fill some of the open spots.
The Flyers have 17 players signed for a combined $52.5 million; the salary cap for 2009-10 is $56.8 million.
The team had hoped to sign Knuble to a one-year, incentive-filled deal - which can be done with a player 35 or older - that would not be a big cap hit. Knuble is seeking a two-year contract.
The incentive-laden deal for players 35 and older is available only in one-year contracts.
Knuble made $2.8 million last season and scored 27 goals.
Contact staff writer Sam Carchidi at 215-854-5181 or scarchidi@phillynews.com.
