Esche to continue as Flyers goalie; D Seidenberg also back

PHILADELPHIA -- Goalie Robert Esche and defenseman Dennis Seidenberg agreed to contracts with the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday.

Esche, who was 21-11-7 with a 2.04 goals-against average for the Flyers during the 2003-04 season, agreed to a two-year contract. He was 11-7 record with a 2.32 goals-against average as the Flyers advanced to the 2004 Eastern Conference finals.

In six NHL seasons with Phoenix and Philadelphia, Esche is 51-44-16 with a 2.48 GAA in the regular season. He was drafted by Phoenix in the sixth round in 1996 and acquired by the Flyers, along with forward Michal Handzus, in a trade that sent goalie Brian Boucher to the Coyotes.

Seidenberg, a 6-foot, 200-pound defenseman, accepted the club's qualifying offer for next season. In two seasons with the Flyers, he has four goals and nine assists in 63 games.

He split the 2003-04 season between the Flyers and their AHL affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms.

Last season, he helped the Phantoms win the AHL title, posting 10 points in 18 playoff games. He recorded 13 goals and 28 assists during the regular season.