Making his first appearance for his new team last night, former Flyer Simon Gagne scored 3 points but Matt Walker, the man who came to Philadelphia in exchange, was cheaper on the ice all night long.

“We felt like he was especially thrifty in his own end tonight,” commented head coach Peter Laviolette. “His ability to cost less than his predecessor was really impressive.”

Some Flyers fans wondering how hockey was back already lauded Walker’s economic play and ability to take regular shifts without costing an arm and a leg. Walker is expected to begin the season in Adirondack with the Phantoms, but team representatives say they are excited to have the recession-friendly defenseman on their blue line in 2010-11.