Free agent Umberger signs with Flyers
TSN.ca Staff
6/14/2004
R.J. Umberger, a former first round pick by the Vancouver Canucks, has signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Flyers, TSN has learned.
Umberger, a centre who played three years at Ohio State University, left school last summer with the aim of turning pro with the Canucks. But when he couldn't come to terms on a contract with Vancouver, he ended up not playing last season.
At the trade deadline, Vancouver traded his rights to the New York Rangers. When the Rangers did not sign him by June 1, Umberger became an unrestricted free agent. The Rangers received a compensatory second round pick for allowing Umberger to go to unrestricted free agency.
Sources say a number of teams were interested in Umberger and that he whittled his choices down to Philadelphia and Toronto, ultimately deciding to sign with the Flyers. Sources say Umberger will receive the rookie salary cap, which covers salary and signing bonus, plus a bonus schedule that could bring his total compensation to about $1.5 million annually if he were to max out on the bonuses.
A formal announcement is expected by the Flyers on Tuesday.
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``I'd love to have a pre-game skate tomorrow and be getting ready for Game 8,'' he said wistfully. ``It just makes me excited for training camp.''
- Shean Donovan, two days after losing Game 7 of the SCF
