Flyers Sign Kesler To offer Sheet

In a move not seen in the NHL since 1998, a Group II restricted free agent has signed an offer sheet. Ryan Kesler, a center who played with Vancouver last season, was signed to a one-year, $1.9 million offer sheet by the Flyers. Given the news that came out last night, this isn't entirely surprising. However, the Flyers are already very deep at center, so it's certainly a curiosity that they would sign another one. Given how (relatively) deep the Flyers are up front, one wonders whether the money would be better spent on trying to find a cheap, puck-moving defenseman somewhere. James Mirtle thinks it's a rather astutue move by GM Bob Clarke, given that even though the contract is only for one year, the Flyers would retain his rights for a number of years after that. On the other side of the coin is Jes Golbez, who thinks Clarke is out to screw the Canucks (again, if you can believe him about RJ Umberger). UPDATE: TSN.ca is reporting that Vancouver will match the offer.