Tyson Foerster didn’t waste any time explaining why he wanted to stay in Philadelphia.
A day after signing an eight-year, $56.8 million contract extension with the Flyers, the 23-year-old winger made it clear the decision felt simple to him. The deal begins in 2027-28 and carries a $7.1 million average annual value, and Foerster said the fit in Philadelphia was too good to pass up.
“For me, I love Philadelphia and I love playing with these guys. They asked me if I would look to extend this year.
For me, it was a no-brainer. I don’t play hockey for the money, so it’s all fun.
I’m happy to be here.”
Foerster has been part of the organization’s climb for years, and he pointed to that path as a big reason he wanted to lock in long term. He said the Flyers brought him in when he was young, and he moved up through Lehigh Valley before getting his shot in Philadelphia.
“They took me in when I was young. I went up in the ranks through Lehigh [Valley] first.
Everything about it. The fans, the city.
It’s a great spot to play in, and I think we’re on the come up. So, it’s super exciting and I’m happy to be here, hopefully for the next nine years.”
He doubled down on that feeling when talking about his place with the team.
“For me, I love Philadelphia. I love playing with these guys… I’m just happy to help for the next nine years.”
Foerster also said general manager Danny Brière played a major role in his decision. He pointed to Brière’s push to improve the roster, including the Leo Carlsson offer sheet, as part of what made the Flyers’ direction appealing.
“Danny, that’s one of the reasons I signed long-term here. You know he’s going to push to try to make us better. I’m kind of in the same boat as you guys (media) were, excited but waiting to see what’s going to happen.”
The winger also opened up about the injury stretch that interrupted his season. Foerster said missing so much time made the final part of the year especially difficult, and he described the challenge as more mental than physical.
“I missed a long stretch there. Peak of the season, that’s where the grind really kicks in… I came in at the end.
I think I started out pretty well, but I’d missed so much time. I was doing everything I could, but I think it was more mental.”
“You miss so much time, and you’re thinking, ‘Can I still do it?’… So it was just more mental.”
Even with last season behind them, Foerster said the group is not content with simply getting a taste of the playoffs. He said the goal now is to get back there and go deeper.
“We’re not satisfied with how last year went. We got a taste [of the playoffs] and now, hopefully, next year we’re right back in it. Going farther and deeper.”
As for the offseason, Foerster said his work is centered on sharpening the details of his game. Skating and hands are at the top of the list, along with adding more ways to beat defenders in tight.
“Keep working on my skating. Work on my hands a little bit.
I think my shot is pretty good and I can score from a decent ways out. But I think if I can get in tight a little bit, and get it upstairs quick enough.
Just little things like that. Maybe beat a guy one-on-one and beat someone with a skilled play.”
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