Flyers officially sign Briere

By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine

The Philadelphia Flyers continued their offseason overhaul on the first day of free agency by signing center Daniel Briere to a multiple-year contract.

Various media reports have the deal at eight years for $52 million.

Briere was widely considered on of the top free agents available in this season's available class after scoring 32 goals with 63 assists last season with the Sabres. His inking completes the Flyers need of a top-line center. His points total led Buffalo last year and his goal, assist and points totals were all career highs.

“We are extremely pleased to add Daniel to our roster and eager to get him into our lineup,” said General Manager Paul Holmgren. “We look for big things from him. Offensively, he is a player capable of doing a lot of good things. Judging by the 95 points that he scored in the league last year, we think that he is a very good offensive player and a great addition to our team."

The 29-year-old also had three goals and 12 assists in 16 playoff games for Buffalo, which advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals before being defeated by Ottawa. The 5-foot-9 center served as the Sabres' co-captain and has 162 goals and 214 assists for 376 points in 483 career games.

"When you see what Paul did from the trading deadline on, we cleared the deck, went young and cleared cap space. He has done a phenomenal job,” said President and Chief Operating Officer of Comcast-Spectacor Peter Luukko. “If you look at our recent signings of Kimmo Timonen, Scott Hartnell and now Daniel Briere, we have a fantastic future. Paul has done just an outstanding job.”

Also on Sunday, the Flyers announced the offical signings of Timonen and Hartnell to new six-year contracts. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Philadelphia acquired the rights to both players on June 18 from Nashiville in exchange for the 23rd pick in the 2007 draft.