Former captain Mike Testwuide , 23, confirmed that he has signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers organization Thursday afternoon, capping a hectic week for one of the top college free agents available.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound wing was coming off a career year with 31 points (21 goals) and his size made him attractive to the Avalanche, Capitals and Rangers organizations. The Flyers first contacted his advisor, now agent, Dan Plante, midway through the season.

“They showed interest and were pretty consistent,” Testwuide said. “I liked the organization and the style of play. I think I will fit in well.”

Tuesday was spent all day on the phone fielding calls from the four teams’ general managers, personnel directors and his agent. Now, Testwuide can fell some relief knowing he has a team, and a deal worth $640,000.

“It was a pretty good deal,’ he said.  ”I have a goal now and a team now. I can’t lay off the gas pedal because pushing myself is what’s got me to this point. I’m proud and excited.”

Testwuide will not report to the Flyers now. Instead he will rest and allow his upper body injury to heal to get ready for offseason training and training camp this summer and fall.

Also, Colorado Springs native Ben Holmstrom signed a contract with the Philadelphia Wednesday. The deal for the 6-foot-1, 202-pound UMass-Lowell forward begins at the start of the 2010-11 season, according to Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. Terms were not disclosed.
Holmstrom, 22, recorded 23 points (14 assists) and 69 penalty minutes in 39 games. He was recently named best defensive forward by Hockey East.

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