Flyers Sign Lasse Kukkonen to New Two-Year Contract

[Hyperfried]

Source: Philadelphia Flyers.com

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have signed 6?1?, 190-pound defenseman Lasse Kukkonen (LA-she koo-KOH-nuhn) to a new two-year contract, according General Manager Paul Holmgren. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

"We felt that Lasse was a nice addition to our team when we acquired him in February,? said Holmgren in making the announcement. ?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, recorded five goals and nine assists for 14 points and 38 penalty minutes in 74 games for the Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks this past season. He led all NHL rookies in blocked shots with 151. He was scoreless in 20 games for the Flyers after being acquired, along with a third round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, from Chicago in exchange for Kyle Calder on February 26, 2007. In 54 games with the Blackhawks, he registered five goals and nine assists for 14 points and 30 penalty minutes.

Over parts of two NHL seasons with Chicago and the Flyers (2003-04 and 2006-07), Kukkonen has registered five goals and 10 assists for 15 points and 42 penalty minutes in 84 regular season games. During the 2005-06 season, Kukkonen posted 27 points (11G,16A) and 38 penalty minutes in 56 regular season games for Karpat (Finland). His plus +30 rating led the SM-Liiga League (Finland). He added 12 points (5G,7A) in 11 games as Karpat won the SM-Liiga championship. A native of Oulu, Finland, Kukkonen was a member of the Finnish National Team for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games and the 2005, 2006 and 2007 World Championships.

He was drafted by the Blackhawks in the fifth round (151st overall) of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

The team also announced that it has signed 6?1?, 200-pound right wing David Laliberte (la-LIH-buhr-tee) to a three-year entry-level contract.

Laliberte, 21, recorded 50 goals and 48 assists for 98 points and 86 penalty minutes in 68 regular season games for the Prince Edward Island Rocket this past season. His 50 goals and 98 points led the Rocket and placed him fifth in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in goals and tied for 11th in the QMJHL in points. He also led the Rocket in power play goals (24), game-winning goals (7) and shots (298). His 50 goals and 98 points set new team records for most goals in a season and most points in a season.

In five seasons with the Rocket (2002-03 through 2006-07), Laliberte registered 121 goals and 108 assists for 229 points and 224 penalty minutes in 279 regular season games. He was originally drafted by the Flyers in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

Absolutely great signing. Kukkonen was probably one of our best defenseman near the end of the season, and it'll be nice to see him develop in the orange and black.

[Ryan20]

Great. Love how this guy blocks shots as well.

[Jlg-28]

good deal, hopefully he can help Piki improve his gameplay

[dutch74]

good move... just hope he doesn't have a sophomore slump

[PA_NICE_GUY]

Another good signing. Not sure if he can help Joni get his game in the right direction, but he will be a great asset anyway.

[Wes]

I'm a big fan of Kukkonen, so this news absolutely tickles me. I've heard a few people saying his cap hit is only $850K for the next two years. If that's true, then Homer is a freakin' genius. All these younger players (Eager, Upshall, Kukkonen) are getting two year deals to prove themselves and I like the fact that it gives the team a little flexibility with contracts. If any of Downie, Giroux, Nodl, Parent, Bartulis, Bodrov, etc. explode onto the scene in the next two years, then we can give them extensions over someone that may not deserve it as much.

Good job Homer, now just get Joni to put ink on paper and we'll have a great young foundation for the future.

[flyers90]

this is just great =D lets hope the Flyers can sign his brother later then as well =)

[tmcc]

Another smart signing by Homer. I'm liking what I'm seeing.

[Wes]

Originally Posted by flyers90

this is just great =D lets hope the Flyers can sign his brother later then as well =)

His brother?

[sekkes85]

Yea, whats the story with his brother? Didn't even know he had one, but then again I didn't look into it either

[flyers90]

Originally Posted by Blindside

His brother?

oh shit XD I was thinking of timonen when i wrote that=P

[10000marbles]

great so we sign him to sit in the press box

[Andy]

What a bump.

[MikeyB99]

Yeah, way to dig up old ass shit