The Philadelphia Flyers probably would like nothing better than to steal a future Hall of Famer from a longtime divisional rival -- and improve their title chances at the same time.

	Leetch

Count the Flyers as one of the teams interested in signing free agent defenseman Brian Leetch, who has spent his entire 16-year career with the New York Rangers.

The Flyers would like to clear payroll to make a run at signing Leetch, the New York Post reported Saturday. Sources told the newspaper that general manager Bob Clarke has asked some of his more expensive players to defer a chunk of their 2003-04 salaries so that Philadelphia can sign Leetch.

Leetch has said he would like to finish his career with the Rangers, and coach/GM Glen Sather has said he would match any offer that comes Leetch's way.

The Flyers, Maple Leafs and Blackhawks -- and possibly the Avalanche and Lightning -- have inquired about Leetch's services, according to the Post. Leetch reportedly has had a two-year, $12 million offer from Sather on the table since June 30.

With Leetch's future uncertain, the Rangers are close to adding a younger defenseman to the mix. They are expected to announce the signing of free-agent backliner Greg de Vries early next week, according to a report in Saturday's New York Times. De Vries has played the last five years with Colorado. In 82 games with the Avs last season, de Vries had 32 points and a plus/minus rating of plus-15. De Vries is 30, five years younger than Leetch.

De Vries' deal is expected to be for $14 million over four years, according to The Times.