Philadelphia, PA (Best E Casino) - The Philadelphia Flyers signed defenseman Steve Eminger to a one-year contract Sunday.

Eminger was acquired by Philadelphia along with a 2008 third-round pick from the Washington Capitals on June 20 for a first-round pick in the 2008 draft.

"Steve is a young two-way defenseman that will fit in nicely with our group," said Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren.

The 24-year-old collected only two assists in 20 regular-season games for Washington last season. He added a goal during the Caps' seven-game Eastern conference quarterfinal loss to Philly.

"I'm happy to get the deal worked out and excited about being part of the organization," Eminger said. "I can't wait for the start of the season to get things going."

A former first-round pick of the Caps (12th overall) in 2002, Eminger has posted six goals and 43 points in 212 career games over parts of five years, all with Washington.

The signing is the latest in a spate of moves the club has undertaken to add depth to the defensive corps, with the health of Derian Hatcher and Mike Rathje in question, along with the expected departure of unrestricted free agent backliner Jason Smith.