Flyers Notes: Caron is seventh goalie this season

Sebastien Caron, a free agent who played the last three years in the Swiss National League, signed with the Flyers and became the seventh goalie to dress for the team when they faced Montreal Friday.

Caron, 29, was Brian Boucher's backup.

Caron has played in parts of four NHL seasons with Pittsburgh, Chicago and Anaheim, compiling a 25-47-12 record, a 3.45 goals-against average, and an .892 save percentage in 92 games.

"He brings experience, and we didn't have that right now," said Peter Laviolette, referring to the team's backup goalie. The coach would not say how he planned to use Caron, but he gave Boucher a vote of confidence.

If Johan Backlund (groin) is able to play in a few days, he would become the backup, general manager Paul Holmgren said.

"Sebastien is insurance," Holmgren said.

After Caron took some shots from teammates at the Skate Zone in Voorhees Friday morning, he called it "a shocker for me" to be signed. "I was expecting to be done for the year and I got the phone call, so I'm ready to be part of the team here and finish the season with them."

A former third-round draft pick of the Penguins, Caron can only play in the regular season - the Flyers have four games left after Friday - and will not be eligible in the playoffs.

If he gets into a game, he will be the sixth goalie to play for the Flyers this season, which would set a club record.

Caron was in Switzerland when he got a call from the Flyers Tuesday; he arrived in Philadelphia Thursday. Caron said he had not played in a week.

"The good thing for me is to come here, and if I have to go in, just to show myself," Caron said. " . . . As far as I know, it has not been easy for them here, but I'm here to help. I don't want to talk about the [Flyers'] past or anything. I just want to look forward."

Caron, a Quebec native, said he has improved from when he first played in the NHL.

"With Pittsburgh, it was a tough situation," he said. "We were in last place, and for three years, I was battling hard. But I think it made me a better goalie when I went to Switzerland and got my confidence back."

Boucher has struggled since replacing the injured Michael Leighton as the starter. In his last seven starts before Friday, Boucher had a 3.32 goals-against average.

"Hopefully, I won't have to go in because they can do their job - but if I do, I'll do my best," Caron said.

If he gets into a game, "I'll just try to play and enjoy it," Caron said. "When you're in the NHL, you don't think it's easy to get out. And after [you leave], it's hard to get back in. I never thought I was going to have a chance again, and it's just nice to get that chance."

Caron and his wife and five-year-old son have a house in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. Caron played there while in Pittsburgh's farm system.

"I live two hours away, so it's a perfect situation here," he said.

Besides Leighton, goalies Ray Emery and Backlund are also sidelined with injuries. Backlund is day to day. Holmgren said the best-case scenario would be for Leighton (ankle) to return in three weeks.

Jeff Carter (broken foot) will have an MRI on Wednesday "and if he's pain-free" and the test "shows there's callus around the break, he'll be able to skate. And at that point, if he can play right away, I'm sure Jeff will play if he can," Holmgren said. "He's a tough kid and I know he's chomping at the bit" to return.

Best case: Carter returns Friday against the Rangers.

Carter leads the Flyers with 33 goals and 60 points.

Emery had successful hip surgery Thursday, Holmgren said, adding it won't be known for six months if the goalie can return to action next season. Emery can become a free agent July 1. . . . The Flyers dressed seven defensemen Friday, and Rile Cote was a healthy scratch. . . . The Flyers entered Friday with a 60-72-30-4 career record against Montreal. - Sam Carchidi