hockeyfanland.com

Defenseman Matt Carle could sign a new deal with the Philadelphia Flyers this summer, but not before he tests the free agent market first. As reported by the Philadelphia Daily News, the Flyers claim they'd like to hammer out a new contract with the 27-year-old.

"I think Matt had a good year," Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said. "He's up there in numbers and Matt's a good defensemen. I've said that before, if Matt wants to be here, we'd like to have him back."

A lot should depend on what happens with Ryan Suter in the next few weeks. If Suter re-signs with the Nashville Predators, Carle will conceivably be the most sought-after unrestricted free agent defenseman, beginning July 1. The Flyers, Detroit Red Wings, and others could then offer upwards of $5-million annually to land the talented blueliner.

And, at that point, the Alaskan native can simply decide on where he wants to play.