Esche staying in Russia, won't be a Flyer

by Travis Hughes on Jun 25, 2009 1:16 AM EDT in Philadelphia Flyers News

Robert Esche has told a reporter from WKTV, an NBC affiliate in his hometown of Utica, New York, that he will not return to the NHL this upcoming season. He says he will honor the final year remaining in his contract with his KHL club in Russia, SKA St. Petersburg.

Here is the report from WKTV's Brian Sandler...

Having to choose between a return to the National Hockey League and a return to the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia, goalie and Whitesboro native Rob Esche has chosen the latter, telling WKTV he will honor the final year of his contract with SKA St. Petersburg.

Esche, who last played in the NHL in the 2006-07 season, drew interest from both of his former NHL teams, Philadelphia and Phoenix, but decided to stick with St. Petersburg for the time being. In 38 games last season, the 31-year-old Esche had nine shutouts and a 1.87 goals against average.

As you might remember, Esche was contacted by the Flyers to potentially fill their vacant opening as a backup goaltender.

hat tip to Kukla's Korner for the find

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Comments

Good

I didn’t want Esche anyway.

Didn’t “signing” Emery solve our goalie issues?

by chillicothe20 on Jun 25, 2009 4:53 AM EDT reply actions

Thank God

I’m glad he’s not coming back here. I never liked his attitude. Who will backup be?

by bd22 on Jun 25, 2009 8:13 AM EDT reply actions

Phew!

He wouldn’t be the worst option but I am glad that the Flyers now don’t have the option of taking another huge risk. Two in one offseason would be to much.

I assume a lot of what happens with JBO will determine the Flyers options in signing a backup goalie. We’ll just have to wait and see . . .

by Mitchell Green on Jun 25, 2009 12:21 PM EDT reply actions