Ray Emery's return to the NHL appears imminent with the Philadelphia Flyers reported to be close to signing the goaltender.

A number of online reports suggest the former Ottawa Senator will sign with the Flyers when the free-agent signing period begins July 1.

Emery, 26, spent this past season playing in the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia after the Senators bought out his contract following a 2007-08 season in which Emery clashed with coaches and players within the organization.

Flyers GM Paul Holmgren confirmed to the Hockey News that the organization has had internal discussions about Emery but wouldn't elaborate.

Both of the Flyers current goaltenders - Martin Biron and Antero Nittymaki - are unrestricted free agents on July 1.