New York Islanders defenseman Bruno Gervais (8) and then-Detroit Red Wings left wing Ville Leino (21), collide as they scramble for a loose puck in the first period of an NHL hockey game at Nassau Coliseum on Jan. 12, 2010. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

(St. Paul, MN) - The Philadelphia Flyers have acquired forward Ville Leino from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and a fifth round draft pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, general manager Paul Holmgren announced at the pregame skate at the Xcel Energy Center on Saturday.

“Ville is a skilled forward that is going to give us some depth,” said Holmgren. “I think he has the ability to play up and down our lineup and play with our skilled players. We're excited to have him.”

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Leino, who has four goals and three assists in 42 games this season, was set to join the Flyers later Saturday on a flight from Los Angeles, and will report to the club as soon as possible. He's looking forward to a fresh start with a new team.

"Sometimes things don't go as you plan it with your team," said Leino. "The trade happened, and I am happy to be going to a good team like Philadelphia. I have heard a lot of good things about Philly and I am looking forward to playing and proving myself to Philadelphia. I am pretty happy about this trade.

"I consider myself a skilled player. My talent is more on the offensive side of the rink, but I would like to consider myself as a contributor in the defensive zone, too. I am hoping to produce some offense and help the team get some points and win games."

Leino joined the Red Wings in the summer of 2007 after being signed as an undrafted free agent. He had an impressive career in the Finnish Elite League, including In 2007-08, when he posted 28 goals and 77 points in 59 games with Jokerit. He was named league MVP at the conclusion of the season.

Last year, he spent most of the season with the Wings’ AHL team, the Grand Rapids Griffins. He was fifth on his team in scoring with 46 points in 57 games. He led the club in the playoffs with 13 points in 10 games.

He played 13 games with the Red Wings in the regular season, posting 5 goals and 9 points, and had 2 assists in seven playoff games.

Leino will wear uniform number 22.