Forsberg to Nashville

When healthy he's one of the best to have ever played the game...



The Predators decide to take a flyer (pun intended) on a gimpy Forsberg.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia Flyers finally traded Peter Forsberg, sending the star center to the Central Division-leading Nashville Predators on Thursday night for forward Scottie Upshall, defenseman Ryan Parent and two draft picks.

Forsberg, slowed this season by chronic right foot problems, can become an unrestricted a free agent at the end of the season, and the Flyers decided to get some value for the former NHL MVP rather than risk losing him for nothing.

"Peter Forsberg is one of the NHL's most complete players and the ultimate competitor, a consistent winner who has year in and year out been a difference-maker in the Stanley Cup playoffs," Predators general manager David Poile said.

"He strengthens our club up the middle and will provide another battle-tested, veteran voice. Adding a player of this caliber also sends a strong message to our fans that the Nashville Predators are prepared to compete at the highest level."

The 33-year-old Swede had 11 goals and 29 assists in 40 games for the Flyers this season, his second with Philadelphia after 10 years with Quebec and Colorado.

Forsberg has visited with doctors around the globe to find out why his foot hasn't felt right in his skate, the health issue mostly responsible for keeping him out 16 games this season.

It's a definite gamble by Nashville, but one I think is well worth taking by a club that thinks this year may be their best chance at a Cup. So, what the heck, they might as well roll the dice with Forsberg and go for it. Why the hell not? With my Av's looking more and more like they're out of the race this year, I'll be pulling for Peter and the Preds come playoff time.