Adam Hall, the veteran fourth-line center who was an unrestricted free agent, didn't wait any longer to make his move for next season.
A report from Pro Hockey Talk on Saturday night cited a Swiss hockey site which said Hall hooked on with Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss National League A.
On Sunday, that report became official, with word in Italian that Hall indeed signed with the club.
Hall's potential cap hit and salary ($600,000), his experience compared to the remainder of the team's bottom six forwards, along with his 59.6 percent prowess in the faceoff circle last season (314-of-527), made his retention an attractive option for new GM Ron Hextall.
However, with Scott Laughton approaching his last season in juniors with the Oshawa Generals, it's kind of now-or-never for the young man who spent five games here in January of 2013, to prove his worth in the professional ranks.
Still, with no action from the Flyers' end, and apparently little
interest from the rest of the NHL with six weeks until training camp, it
was incumbent on Hall himself to take action and further his career. He's the second now former member of the club to take his talents overseas, after RFA defenseman Erik Gustafsson sensed something in the wind and headed to Russia back in May.
The 33-year-old Michigander totaled four goals and nine points in 80 games last season, and leaves the franchise with nine points in 98 appearances regular season and playoffs, since claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay in April of 2013.
Ambri-Piotta is a known entity to players who have suited up in Orange and Black over the years. Mike Bullard (1990-91), Dave Babych (1999-2000), Kirby Law (2009-10), Richard Park (2012-13) have previously skated for the club which finished last season seventh with a 26-20-4 record.
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