Flyers Trade For Sean Burke

NHL teams

The Flyers were anxious to land Burke because they were down to rookie Antero Niittymaki in goal. Jeff Hackett retired Monday because of vertigo, and Robert Esche, once Burke's backup in Phoenix, is sidelined by a sprained knee.

"We obviously needed a goaltender," said Flyers general manager Bobby Clarke, adding that Burke's friendship with Esche figured in his reasoning. "We're extremely high on Esche. We wanted to make sure we got somebody who fits in."