PITTSBURGH -- Ray Emery is close to returning to the NHL.
League sources confirmed today that talks to get the troubled goaltender, who spent last year in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League after being bought out by the Senators, is close to signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Flyers.
While a deal likely isn't imminent, the two sides have several discussions and the Flyers need a goaltender. Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki are both unrestricted free agents.
Emery was one of the top goaltenders in the KHL last season with Atlant Mytishchi. He led the Senators to the Stanley Cup final in 2007. The indications are a deal can't be reached with the Flyers until July 1 because Emery's contract in Russia doesn't officially expire until then.
