Flyers deal Forsberg to Predators

The Nashville Predators have added a big weapon for the stretch run.
The Predators traded winger Scottie Upshall, defenceman Ryan Parent, a first round pick and a third round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for Peter Forsberg.
''Forsberg has been on our radar, in terms of who might be available for months, not weeks,'' said Predators head coach Barry Trotz. ''It was always based on speculation, but as a group we said, let's not lose this guy.
''This trade could be our defining moment and we didn't want to look back 20 years from now and wonder whether or not the Peter Forsberg trade might have made a difference on helping the Nashville Predators win the Stanley Cup.''
The 33-year-old centre adds some much needed playoff experience to the Predators. In fact Forsberg has more career playoff points (162) than the rest of the Predators lineup (155). ''There is a time and a place to step up and make a big move,'' said Predators general manager David Poile. ''We felt it was the time and it was the place. We're thrilled to get (Peter Forsberg). We gave up a lot to get him, but we feel it's worth it. This franchise has been built on draft picks so it's not easy to give them or our good prospects up, but it was time to take a chance and do it a little differently.''
Forsberg, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, was on the ice for warm-ups Thursday for Philadelphia's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he was scratched from the lineup.
In 40 games with the Flyers this season Forsberg has 11 goals and 29 assists. He is also leads the Flyers with a +2 plus/minus rating.
''Peter could not commit to signing an extension because of his uncertainty. Therefore, we had to do what was best for the future of the team,'' said Flyers chairman Ed Snider.
Forsberg has missed 16 games with a variety of injuries this season including a concussion, an injured groin and a sore back.
Upshall has played in 14 games with the Predators this season and has two goals, one assist and 18 penalty minutes.
Parent, who is playing with the Guelph Storm this year, has missed 23 of the team's 55 games and is currently out with a bulging disk in his back.
from: www.tsn.ca/nhl

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