Modry traded for a Flyers pick

The Kings made the first of what is expected to be a series of moves before next week’s trading deadline, sending defenseman Jaroslav Modry to Philadelphia today for the Flyers’ third-round draft pick in June.

This was Modry’s second stop in Los Angeles. He had six points in 61 games this season and a plus-two on the plus-minus scale, a rarity for this last-place team. The NHL’s trading deadline is Feb. 26.

“Jaroslav is a steady two-way defenseman that will bring us leadership and experience down the stretch,” Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren said in a statement.

The Flyers, dealing with an injury-riddled defense in a tight Eastern Conference race for a playoff spot, apparently were first interested in acquiring Kings defenseman Brad Stuart, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Modry, who will turn 37 one day after the trade deadline, has been dealing with a serious family matter all season. His father, also named Jaroslav, is battling cancer and Modry briefly left the team in November to be with him at home in the Czech Republic.

This now gives the Kings three picks in the third round of the upcoming Entry Draft.

lisa.dillman@latimes.com