Interviewed today by
Finnish newspaper Kaleva, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Joni Pitkänen addressed the rampant trade rumors that are swirling around him, the Flyers acquisition of Kimmo Timonen and, if not traded, his impending salary arbitration case with the Flyers.
For the most part, Pitkänen was totally non-committal on every front, saying he will abide by whatever the Flyers and his agent Larry Kelly work out, but hinting that he thinks he will be traded.
But he gave the impression that he was taking absolutely no role in the process, and simply going along with what his agent felt was best for his career.
Courtesy of a Finnish-speaking poster at HF Boards, here is an edited translation of some of the newspaper article's key points:
On whether Pitkänen wants to stay with the Flyers: "Philadelphia is a nice place, but...everything is possible. Things aren't really in my hands.... The agents do all the negotiations, and all I can do is to practice hard so that I'll be in good shape when the season starts."
On how long the situation will take to resolve: "The situation is actually rather normal, and we must remember that many players are in the same boat. I have learned to think that things always work out fine eventually. Negotiations are like a game, so there's no need to rush things now."
Asked about the acquisition of Timonen and the presence of one of his oldest friends (defensive partner Lasse Kukkonen) on the Flyers: "I don't think it really has any effect on my negotiations."
Asked about the trade rumors involving Edmonton: "Canada is a great hockey country, but it's also just as possible that I'd play in the West coast, for example."
Asked about his thoughts on the Flyers taking him to arbitration, he deflected the question and reiterated that his main goal this summer is to be in shape for next season.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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