Forsberg deal official

As already reported on by numerous media outlets, the Flyers have dealt center Peter Forsberg to the Nashville Predators. Below is the official release from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Continue onto the next Phanatic Magazine article to read Steve Lienert's take on the Forsberg exit, or just hit the link.

More to come over the next 24 hours, including Michael Rushton's take on tonight's game from the stands, who the next Flyers captain should be, and what other moves the Flyers could/should make...

- Courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have acquired 6’2, 205-pound defenseman Ryan Parent, 6’0, 197-pound right wing Scottie Upshall and a first round pick and third round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft from the Nashville Predators in exchange for center Peter Forsberg, according to club General Manager Paul Holmgren.

"Peter could not commit to signing an extension because of his uncertainty. Therefore, we had to do what was best for the future of the team,” said Flyers Chairman Ed Snider. “Peter is a tremendous player and person. I would like to thank him for all that he did for this franchise. We wish him the best.”

“When it became apparent that we couldn’t sign Peter, we took the opportunity to acquire some outstanding young talent which will help the team as we build for the future,” said Holmgren.

Parent, 19, has recorded three goals and six assists for nine points and 62 penalty minutes in 32 games for the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League this season. He was named the Storm’s captain prior to the start of this season. In four seasons with the Storm (2003-04 through 2006-07), Parent has registered 10 goals and 45 assists for 55 points and 238 penalty minutes in 216 regular season games. A native of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Parent was named to the OHL Second All-Star Team following the 2005-06 season. He was a member of the Canadian National Team, which won the gold medal at the 2006 and 2007 World Junior Championships. He was drafted by Nashville in the first round (18th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

Upshall, 23, has posted three points (2G,1A) and 18 penalty minutes in 14 games for the Predators this season. He missed 22 games from November 16 through January 29 due to a groin strain sustained at Columbus on November 15. In 77 career regular season games over parts of four NHL seasons (2002-03 through 2006-07), Upshall has recorded 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points and 52 penalty minutes. He was drafted by the Predators in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Last season, Upshall recorded eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points and 34 penalty minutes in 48 regular season games for Nashville. His +14 rating led the Predators for the 2005-06 season.

Forsberg, 33, registered 11 goals and 29 assists for 40 points and 72 penalty minutes in 40 games for the Flyers this season. Over the last two seasons with the Flyers (2005-06 and 2006-07), Forsberg recorded 30 goals and 86 assists for 116 points and 118 penalty minutes in 100 regular season games. He was signed as a free agent by the Flyers on August 3, 2005.