Kim Klement – USA Today
While the playoffs remain a longshot for the Philadelphia Flyers, GM Paul Holmgren and crew are looking toward the future. The team announced today that both newcomer Jay Rosehill and Zac Rinaldo have been signed on for another two years with the club. Rosehill was to be a UFA next year, while Rinaldo was set for RFA status at the end of next season.
The Flyers are happy with Rosehill’s effort since joining the team before the trade deadline. He only has a single goal and nearly 50 penalty minutes since the trade, but he has shown a ton of grit and plays well on a grinding third line with also-newcomer Adam Hall. Their line has been key to the team’s success late in games as they find a way to wear on the top lines of other clubs.
Rinaldo is currently missing time with the Flyers, as his high-ankle sprain on his left leg has kept him out of seven games in a row. He is a monster on the ice, hitting every skater from superstar to scrub, establishing a rhythm and attitude desperately needed by the once feared Broadstreet Bullies. His three goals and 85 PIMs are not why the man was signed, but it’s nice to have a fore-checker and fighter that can put one or two in the net over a season. Rinaldo has fast become a fan favorite with his diehard attitude and ability to throw his weight around.
No word yet on how much money the team has agreed to pay these two, but with a small cap space and little production on the ice, Holmgren must have gotten a deal on two players that have found their niche in Philly.
