Flyers Trade Forsberg To Predators

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Flyers finally traded Peter Forsberg, sending the star center to the Central Division-leading Nashville Predators last night for forward Scottie Upshall, defenseman Ryan Parent and two draft picks.

Forsberg, slowed this season by chronic right foot problems, can become an unrestricted a free agent at the end of the season, and the Flyers decided to get some value for the former NHL MVP rather than risk losing him for nothing.

"I'm a little shocked," Forsberg said. "I could not commit to another year because I don't know what's going to happen. I felt like I was being fair to give up the no-trade clause and they get something for me. It kind of worked out."

The 33-year-old Swede, in the final months of a two-year, $11.5 million contract, had 11 goals and 29 assists in 40 games for the Flyers this season, his second with Philadelphia after 10 years with Quebec and Colorado.

Forsberg, drafted by Philadelphia in 1991 but dealt to Quebec in 1992 in the Eric Lindros in 1992, is a seven-time All-Star and was the NHL's most valuable player with Colorado in 2003. He helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 1996 and 2001.

"It's not a fun day, even though I'm going to a good team," Forsberg said. "I'm sure I'm going to OK in a couple of days, but today is not a good day. I didn't sign here two years ago to stand here today."

Forsberg, a late scratch for Philadelphia's 4–2 loss to Toronto last night, has visited with doctors around the globe to find out why his foot hasn't felt right in his skate, the health issue mostly responsible for keeping him out 16 games this season. Since Forsberg returned from an All-Star break trip to visit a foot specialist in Sweden, he has three goals and nine assists in nine games.

"We went around and around with Peter for a fair amount of time about making a commitment to us for future years and it appears that he could not and would not do that going forward," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said.

"It was our belief in the long run for the betterment of the franchise for the future, this was something we needed to do. The timing of it may not have been great, but it was a good deal. A deal we thought we couldn't pass up."

Forsberg, expected to be in Nashville's lineup Friday night at St. Louis, said he wouldn't consider signing with any team before he can become a free agent July 1.