Quick Hits: June 16, 2024
1) On Saturday, the Flyers signed Flyers sign big-framed Latvian center Rodrigo Abols (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) to a one-year, two-way contract. This season in Sweden, he had a big SHL playoff for Rögle. Abols is not a stranger to North American hockey, having previously played major junior hockey in Canada and pro hockey at the American Hockey League level.
Abols is a grinding two-way depth forward who played a straightforward game. He's also an above-average skater.
The 28-year-old Latvian national team regular -- he will turn 29 in January -- is the second depth signing the Flyers have made this offseason from the SHL level. On April 8, the Flyers signed 25-year-old (26 in July) Swedish winger Oscar Eklind to a one-year, two-way contract. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder fits a similar size and basic style profile to Abols and is also a plus skater.
The Flyers consider both Eklind and Abols to be depth signings. They will compete for NHL spots but also could at least start out the 2024-25 season with the Phantoms.
2) Today in Flyers History: June 16
2004: The Flyers sign rookie free agent R.J. Umberger after the former Vancouver first-round pick (16th overall in 2001) does not sign with the Canucks. He turns professional after three NCAA seasons at Ohio State. Umberger goes on to have a 20-goal, 38-point season for the Flyers as a rookie in 2004-05.
2016: In a bit of ironic timing, Umberger's second Flyers stint -- and NHL career -- comes to an end exactly 12 years later on this date. The Flyers buy out the final year of his contract. He does not play a regular season game again in the NHL, although he has a preseason tryout with Ken Hitchcock's Dallas Stars in September 2017.
2022: The Flyers announce the hiring of John Tortorella as head coach. He signs a four-year contract, running through the 2025-2026 season.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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