AP News, December 11th, 2006
The Philadelphia Flyers decided to put veteran center Petr Nedved on waivers Monday, despite a flurry of new injuries at his position.
It's the second time this year the team waived the 34-year-old. His tenure with the Flyers is probably over, even if he clears waivers and is sent to the team's American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms.
Asked if this was the last go-round for Nedved with the Flyers, team general manager Paul Holmgren said: "I think that's safe to say."
In 21 games this season, Nedved has one goal, seven points and is a minus-20.
Coach John Stevens said he would like to give more playing time to rookie center Ryan Potulny.
"We feel like Potulny could give us more in a third- or fourth-line role," Stevens said. "We feel like this an opportunity for him to get a whole lot better in the middle. The more he plays, the more experience he's going to get."
On Monday, the Flyers called up centers Matt Ellison and Tony Voce from the Phantoms. Both are possibilities for Tuesday night's home game against the New York Rangers.
The Flyers will be without veteran center Peter Forsberg, who is still searching for a skate to accommodate his surgically repaired right ankle.
Also injured are centers Jeff Carter (broken left ankle) and Mike Richards, who is scheduled to have surgery to repair a sports hernia Tuesday.
Stevens said left wing Simon Gagne could see time at center against the Rangers. At Monday's practice, Gagne was at center on a line with Mike Knuble and Kyle Calder. R.J. Umberger also is capable of moving over to the center position.
Left wing Geoff Sanderson (pulled abdominal muscle) and right wing Sami Kapanen (back spasms) are listed as questionable for the Rangers game.
