FLYERS NEWS

The Flyers defense took a hit today, when top defenseman Kim Johnsson signed with the Minnesota Wild. However, as Johnsson was on his way out the door, the Flyers brought in two new defenseman to the mix, signing veteran defenseman Nolan Baumgarter to a two-year deal, and young defenseman Lars Jonsson to a one-year deal. Jonsson, is a former 1st round draft pick of the Boston Bruins in 2000, but he never signed with them and spent the last 6 seasons playing for the Swedish elite league. Though, unproven at the NHL level, Jonsson still provides the Flyers with an intriguing option on defense. Baumgartner, is an eight year veteran, and was the Vancouver Canuck's top-scoring defensemen last season. Though not a household name, Baumgartner is a gritty defensemen who should help to improve the Flyers penalty-killing unit, which was terrible last season.