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Flyers sign Kukkonen for 2 years

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren continued to chip away at the offseason odds and ends by signing defenseman Lasse Kukkonen to a 2-year deal, worth $1.75 million yesterday.

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren continued to chip away at the offseason odds and ends by signing defenseman Lasse Kukkonen to a 2-year deal, worth $1.75 million yesterday.

The 6-1, 190-pound blue-liner was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks for Kyle Calder in February.

"We felt that Lasse was a nice addition to our team when we acquired him in February," Holmgren said. "He showed that he can move the puck extremely well and that he is a really steady defender. We look forward to him being part of our defense for the next two seasons."

Kukkonen, 25, had five goals, nine assists and 38 penalty minutes in 74 games for the Flyers and Blackhawks last season. He led all NHL rookies in blocked shots with 151.

Kukkonen is the third restricted free agent to sign a new contract with the Flyers in the past 2 weeks. Also signed were Scottie Upshall and Ben Eager.

Left to be dealt with are goaltender Antero Niittymaki and defenseman Joni Pitkanen. *

- Ed Moran