(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Yesterday, it was announced that the Philadelphia Flyers have signed defencemen Ole-Kristian Tollefsen to a one year contract for the upcoming 08-09 season. Tollefson is your typical stay at home defender who plays very physical and is very responsible in his own zone. I personally considered it imperative that the Flyers add someone like Tollefsen during this offseason.

When asked how he felt about playing in Philadelphia, Ole responded with...

 “I feel great. I am really excited to be coming to Philadelphia. I have always been a fan of the Philadelphia Flyers and what they are all about,” said Tollefsen. “They play a gritty style of hockey and that is typical of me. I’m an energy guy. I bring a lot of energy every night, and I am very dependable in my own zone, making the simple plays and sticking up for my teammates.” (flyers.nhl.com)

It has already been said that Tollefsen will be apart of the Flyers defensive scheme for the upcoming season, and not as a member of the Phantoms. Of the little hockey I have seen Tollefsen play, I know that he is a great hitter, and not at all a bad defencemen. A more mobile Derian Hatcher, if you will.

But where does this leave the Flyers defence now for the upcoming season? Counting Tollefsen, the Flyers now have seven guys ready to play. Rumors have been circulating for the past week and a half our so that the Flyers are looking to add to their offence with one of three guys, Miroslav Satan, Petr Sykora, or Todd Bertuzzi.

Personally, I think its a two horse race between Sykora and Bertuzzi. Adding Big Bert would definitely add an element of size upfront lost with Mike Knuble. However, adding Sykora gives another option for playmakers like Briere, Richards, and Giroux should other snipers like Gagne or Carter be injured. Sykora could come cheap after a down season in Pittsburgh, and is absolutely deadly on the powerplay. While Satan in my mind can still pot 25-30 goals, I dont see him as a good fit in Philadelphia.

But something has to give. The Flyers are right up against the cap and need to make a move if they want to sign one of these guys. When I heard of Tollefsens signing, I knew immediatley one of two things was going to happen.

Either Randy Jones will be traded, or Matt Carle will.

Many Flyers fans believe Randy Jones is overpaid for what he brings to the table. However, Matt Carle's contract isnt exactly cheap either. Dumping either one, a long with Dan Carcillo, will surely give the Flyers enough space to sign one of Bertuzzi or Sykora to a cheap, one year deal.

I personally feel if Randy Jones is overpaid, its only by about 500,000-750,000 dollars. He is actually a very good skater and one of our better puck movers. He had a couple injuries last season that prevented him from really putting up any offensive numbers, but Jones is actually not bad in his own zone. However, he cant hit the broad side of a barn-yard. Jones can still be a 40 point defencemen when healthy though.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?