Flyers Sign Forward Ian Laperriere to Three-year Contract

The Philadelphia Flyers got a lot tougher and grittier on Wednesday by signing right wing Ian Laperriere to a three-year contract worth $3.5 million. The deal averages out to $1.17 million per season. In 74 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche, Laperriere scored seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points and 163 penalty minutes. In 1001 career games with the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Colorado Avalanche, he has 118 goals and 198 assists for 316 points and 1794 penalty minutes. It looks like the Flyers are trying to emulate the Broad Street Bullies of the 1970s. Laperriere adds lots of toughness to a team that already features physical players in Mike Richards, Daniel Carcillo, Chris Pronger, Riley Cote, Scott Hartnell, Arron Asham, and Braydon Coburn. He also brings lots of leadership qualities to the team. The only problem with the Laperriere signing is that it puts the Flyers $1.5 million over the salary cap. They can be over the cap until the start of next season, but then must get their payroll back down to $56.8 million. Look for the Flyers to make a salary dumping trade over the next few months or demote a player to the minors if a trade cannot be had.