The Chicago Blackhawks traded winger Kyle Calder and his $2.95 million contract to the Philadelphia Flyers Friday.

In return, the Blackhawks got centre Michal Handzus, who is scheduled to make $2.128 million this season.

The transaction came just days after Chicago accepted an arbitrator's decision on Calder.

"In Michal Handzus, we were able to acquire a big, strong centre who is an excellent two-way player," said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon. "We felt we needed a big centre to play against other big centres in the Western Conference.

"We also feel that Michal is a guy who will be able to get the puck to Martin Havlat. We feel that a line of Martin Havlat, Michal Handzus, and Tuomo Ruttu is a pretty good line.

"In the off-season we identified the centre position as one we needed to strengthen and we feel we have addressed that need."

Handzus, 29, is six-foot-five and 217 pounds. Last season, he played in 73 games, notching 11 goals and 33 assists.

The Flyers were able to accommodate the Blackhawks because Philadelphia has depth up the middle with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on the roster. Also, the Flyers needed a winger because Keith Primeau has been having health problems.

Calder, 27, played in 79 games last season, notching 26 goals and 33 assists. Those numbers were career highs.

with files from the Associated Press