Butler Toronadoes

R. J. Umberger, the free-agent center from Plum, has accepted a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. The two-year deal calls for a $1.185 million salary if Umberger plays in the NHL and a reduced salary if he is in the minors. Umberger was Vancouver's first-round draft choice in 2002, but the Canucks traded his rights to the New York Rangers March 9. When New York failed to sign him by June 1, Umberger became a free agent. Toronto made an offer similar to Philadelphia's and Umberger said it was a "very tough decision" to pick between the Flyers and Maple Leafs. "I was really impressed with both organizations," he said. "It could have gone either way." The Penguins - Umberger was a fan of the franchise while growing up - apparently also got real consideration, even though their contract prosposal is believed to have been worth only about $600,000 per season. "I was serious about the Penguins," Umberger said. "Right now, it just wasn't best fit for me." Umberger, a center, left Ohio State after his junior year and did not play during the 2003-04 season after failing to work out a contract with the Canucks or Rangers, but clearly does not regret the course he chose. "I feel like the whole year was worth it," he said. Umberger plans to go to Philadelphia next month to begin working out. And preparing for his first game action in well over a year. "I'll have to refresh my memory," he said. "It will be fun, to say the least."