VOORHEES, N.J., Oct. 23 — Eric Desjardins, still looking for his first goal of the season, resigned as the captain of the Philadelphia Flyers today and was replaced by the veteran center Keith Primeau.

Desjardins, a defenseman, had been the captain since the former Flyer Eric Lindros was stripped of the title in March 2000. He said he felt more responsibility as the captain and did not want the added pressure.

"When I first took this, I looked at it as a big challenge," Desjardins said. "It was tough last year. I didn't feel comfortable. I never felt like I was doing everything right. That was a big concern and it was affecting my play."

Desjardins said he wanted to concentrate more on his game. In eight games, Desjardins has no goals, three assists and is a minus-3.