Manning signed to one-way deal

The Flyers signed defenseman Brandon Manning to a one-year contract extension on Friday, general manager Ron Hextall announced.

Manning, 24, has appeared in 10 games for the Flyers this season. His contract is a "one-way" deal, meaning it does not have an AHL component.

Based on his age and experience, Manning was due to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Now, he will fight for a full-time NHL job in September, possibly turning down more lucrative offers overseas for a shot at the best league in the world.

With Manning signed, the Flyers now have seven defensemen on one-way contracts for next season - and that does not include restricted free agent Michael Del Zotto.

Mark Streit - $5.25 million
Andrew MacDonald - $5 million
Luke Schenn - $3.6 million
Nick Grossmann - $3.5 million
Nick Schultz - $2.25 million
Radko Gudas - $992,000
Brandon Manning - financial terms not immediately available.

As you can see, that does not leave much room for the Flyers' prospects, like Travis Sanheim, Samuel Morin, or Shayne Gostisbehere.

However, as Oliver Lauridsen proved this year, a one-way contract does not nearly guarantee a roster spot. It just means the Flyers were interested enough in not letting Manning walk. Lauridsen earned $600,000 this season but spent just three days on the NHL roster.

Manning isn't particularly all that young at age 24 - he is but a few months younger than Luke Schenn - yet he has blossomed into a capable defender and puck mover.

On Twitter: @frank_seravalli