It’s time for some more NHL rumours. We’re into November, but there’s plenty to discuss with the hot stove. Teams are trying to figure out contract extensions for many of their players. We’ve already seen plenty of big-time players get deals done. However, there are plenty of players who need new deals this coming offseason. This includes restricted and unrestricted free agents.
This edition of NHL rumours focuses on the Philadelphia Flyers. We look into a possible contract extension for one of their young forwards.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Contract Extension for Young Philadelphia Flyers Forward
Rumour: Anthony Di Marco of The Daily FaceOff dove into a possible contract extension for first-year Flyer Trevor Zegras, who is off to a strong start in his first year in Philadelphia.
Analysis: Zegras came over from the Anaheim Ducks in a trade over the summer. The 24-year-old has four goals and nine points for 13 points in 12 games so far with his new team. He’s hit the ground running at the start of the season and endeared himself to the Philadelphia faithful.
Philadelphia might still be going through some growing pains. However, general manager Daniel Briere may have found a future lineup fixture for his team. Zegras has taken to his new linemates, Christian Dvorak and Owen Tippett, early in the season.
The Bedford, New York native is making $5.75 million in his last year of this contract. He is also arbitration-eligible, and the Flyers will likely want to avoid that. Zegras will be looking for a raise with his next deal is up on July 1. The forward can sign a contract extension at any time, with him being in the final year of his current agreement.
What it Means
Di Marco points out that the Flyers might not be ready to start talking at this point. However, Zegras will turn 25 in March, and the Flyers can sign a six-to-eight-year deal when the two sides do start talking. A deal like this would achieve cost certainty for Briere and Philadelphia management,
The Flyers could use another young player as a possible template for Zegras’ next deal. Di Marco points out Zegras’ next contract could be similar to what the Buffalo Sabres gave Dylan Cozens in February 2023. The “Workhorse From Whitehorse” is currently making $7.1 million per season. However, that deal might need to be adjusted for inflation.
Another note is that Cozens has rounded out his game at both ends of the ice. Cozens has done a great job working hard on the defensive end. Di Marco points out that Zegras has gone through plenty of turnover behind the bench during his time in Anaheim. That constant change may have hampered Zegras’ development. There have also been injury concerns with Zegras, who has only played 88 games across the last two seasons.
However, Zegras has played well and let his game do the talking. The hybrid centre’s play may force Briere’s hand and bring him to the negotiating table. If Zegras continues to play well, he may drive up the asking price even higher.
Main photo by: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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