On the eve of free agency, the Flyers inked one of their depth forwards who could have hit the open market on Wednesday.
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No, not the long-speculated Luke Glendening. A league source has confirmed to The Inquirer that winger Carl Grundström has signed a one-year, $1 million deal to stay with the Flyers. TSN was first to report the agreement.
After being acquired from the San Jose Sharks in the deal that saw Ryan Ellis’ contract moved in early October (the contract was subsequently traded to the Chicago Blackhawks), Grundström played in 47 games for the Flyers after starting the season with Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League.
The winger notched 15 points in 19 games for the Phantoms before adding another 13 points (nine goals, four assists) with Philly. Grundström was inserted into the lineup in the postseason and had one assist in three games against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.
Coach Rick Tocchet often lauded Grundström for his speed and puck pressure. He played up and down the lineup but mostly on the fourth line, where he infused a burst of speed.The Flyers traded fellow fourth-liner Garnet Hathaway to the Florida Panthers last week.
After the season ended, Grundström suited up for Sweden at the IIHF men’s World Championships. He played on a line with Flyers prospect center Jack Berglund and had one goal and four points in seven games. Berglund had the secondary assist on his goal. Sweden lost in the quarterfinals to Switzerland, the silver medalists.