PHILADELPHIA (OTHL) -- Nicklas Lidström could have had his choice of team when the UFA free agency starts on Wednesday the 18th. Instead, Lidström decided to stay in Philadelphia and continue to anchor the Flyers defense. The veteran signed a 2 year deal with the Flyers late last night, ending all speculations were to he would sign. The Flyers fans were delighted with the news as they have already seen top names like Mario Lemieux and Steve Yzerman leave town, both to retirement. So waiving goodbye to arguable the best defender in the game, was not an option for the fans.
"Having Nicklas Lidström on the team for two more seasons, and maybe even more after that. It’s a big addition to this team, he said before we left for the summer that he wanted to stay, but that it was not 100% up to him. But now when he has re-signed, I can breath a bit easier.” – Flyers head coach Ken Hitchcock said.
Lidström who had 6 goals and 52 points last season in 77 games is hoping that he can improve those numbers. And he has been working hard all off-season to make sure that he is in the best shape possible. “I always work hard in the off-season, but this time around I have been stepping it up a notch and I feel great.” – Lidström said.
With Nicklas Lidström under contract, the Flyers management will have to concentrate on getting goaltender Marty Turco signed. Turco who is looking for a raise from his $3.05 million a year, could prove to be to much for the Flyers. But despite that rumors claim that the two sides are talking and that the talks are positive.