Michael Del Zotto inked by Flyers after losing Timonen

After defenseman Kimmo Timonen was diagnosed with blood clots in his legs and lung, Philadelphia Flyers GM Ron Hextall said he’d find a veteran replacement for their lineup this season.

The solution? Signing Michael Del Zotto, free-agent defenseman formerly of the New York Rangers and Nashville Predators. The contract is a reported 1-year and $1.3 million.

The money and the term have firmly placed this signing in the “acceptable risk” category, and that’s valid. The Flyers signed arguably the best offensive defenseman available on the market, and kept the signing within the constraints of their salary cap.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that Del Zotto is a liability in his own end and a possession black hole.

But coach Craig Berube seems like a fan: "Lots of skill, speed. A good skater. Gets up in the play offensively. Worked the power play in New York. Lotta skill.”

Tim Panaccio sees the post-Timonen pairings to include Del Zotto with Luke Schenn and Andrew MacDonald with Braydon Coburn. So yeah, Kimmo’s loss is rather significant.