Richards among five needing surgery
Flyers captain Mike Richards headlines a list of five players that need offseason surgery. Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren made the announcement Tuesday.
Richards needs wrist surgery. Goalie Michael Leighton (hip), center Blair Betts (finger), defenseman Andrej Meszaros (wrist) and winger Kris Versteeg (stomach muscle) also need surgery.
Holmgren says forwards Scott Hartnell and Jeff Carter will both be evaluated for hip issues. The Flyers could know Friday if they need surgery.
Defenseman Chris Pronger is dealing with a painful lower back problem that led to diminished leg strength. Pronger played in only three of the Flyers' 11 postseason games. Surgery has not been ruled out.
The Flyers, the East's No. 2 seed, defeated the Buffalo Sabres in the first round in seven games, but were swept by the Boston Bruins in Round 2.