VOORHEES, N.J. -- The Philadelphia Flyers shook up their defense Monday, acquiring Vladimir Malakhov from the New York Rangers and trading Chris Therien to the Dallas Stars.
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"Malakhov is much better with the puck and a better skater," Flyers general manager Bob Clarke said. "He can do things for the team that Chris couldn't."
Philadelphia sent prospect Rick Kozak and a second-round selection in the 2005 draft to the Rangers for Malakhov, then dealt Therien to Dallas for a pair of draft picks.
Therien had spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Flyers. He was the longest-tenured active athlete on any professional sports team in Philadelphia.
"He was a favorite of mine," Clarke said. "He played here a long time and he played pretty good."
In exchange for Therien, the Flyers got an eighth-round pick in the 2004 draft and a third-round choice in 2005.
The deal will be finalized as long as Therien passes a physical Tuesday, which is the NHL trade deadline.
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| The Flyers hope Vladimir Malakhov will improve their defense.(AP) |
"When you're in these situations, money becomes a factor," Clarke said. "To add a player, we felt we had to move a player. With Malakhov coming in, Chris might not always have been in the lineup. It's probably a real good opportunity for Chris."
The Stars entered Monday fifth in the Western Conference, only two points behind first-place San Jose in the Pacific Division.
Malakhov recently missed about three weeks because of a sprained wrist, but he's healthy again. In 56 games, he has three goals and 15 assists.
He could provide an offensive boost on the Philadelphia blue line, which has been hit hard by injuries to Eric Desjardins (broken arm), Joni Pitkanen (concussion) and Denis Seidenberg (broken leg).
Still, the Flyers led the Atlantic Division and were second in the Eastern Conference, two points behind Tampa Bay.
"I've been traded to a pretty good team that's going to compete for the Stanley Cup and I'm pretty excited about it," Malakhov said. "I wasn't frustrated (in New York) but I haven't played in the playoffs in four years and that's the best time of year to play."
The Flyers have been busy making moves this season, also adding center Alexei Zhamnov, goaltender Sean Burke and defenseman Danny Markov.
In an effort to begin rebuilding with younger players, the struggling Rangers have unloaded several veterans leading up to Tuesday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline. They also traded Brian Leetch, Alexei Kovalev, Petr Nedved, Jussi Markannen and Chris Simon.
Forwards Martin Rucinsky and Matthew Barnaby, who can become unrestricted free agents after the season, could be next.
Notes
- Flyers captain Keith Primeau, sidelined since Feb. 12 due to a concussion, is close to returning. Primeau passed his final neurological test Monday and practiced with the team for the first time since the injury. He could play Tuesday night against New Jersey. "I want to play right away," Primeau said after a lengthy workout. "But I'll have to talk with (head trainer) John Worley, doctors and the coaching staff as well. It's still about how I feel. I want to feel 100 percent. I'm closer, I'm still not there. It's important to see how I respond to today's workout."
- Jeremy Roenick (fractured jaw) skated with the team for the first time since he was injured Feb. 12.
- Marcus Ragnarsson (shoulder) is expected back Tuesday night.
AP NEWS
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