Why the Flyers Aren’t Rushing Into a Long-Term Deal With Trevor Zegras - And Why That Makes Sense
Trevor Zegras is one of the most electrifying young talents in the NHL, but don’t expect the Philadelphia Flyers to throw a long-term contract at him just yet. Despite his highlight-reel skill set and offensive upside, the Flyers are playing the long game - and there’s good reason for that.
Zegras is set to become a restricted free agent (RFA) at the end of the season, and yes, he’s arbitration-eligible. That gives the Flyers a bit of leverage and time to evaluate exactly what they have in the 22-year-old forward.
The buzz around town - and among fans - is whether Philly should lock him up long-term now or take a more measured approach. Right now, the organization seems to be leaning toward the latter.
Let’s break down why.
Zegras: A Point-Per-Game Ceiling, But Not a Center
There’s no doubt Zegras has the offensive tools to be a point-per-game player in the NHL. His creativity, vision, and puck skills are elite. He’s the kind of player who can bring fans out of their seats - and he’s already shown he can be a game-changer, especially in shootouts and high-leverage moments.
But here’s the catch: the Flyers originally brought him in with the hope that he could fill a need down the middle. That hasn’t materialized.
Zegras is not going to be a center in Philly - at least not in the foreseeable future. And that changes the calculus when it comes to his value.
The Flyers have a decent crop of wingers already, which means they’re not desperate to overpay at that position. So while Zegras brings a lot to the table offensively, the question becomes: how much are you willing to invest in a player who doesn’t fill a premium position and still has areas of his game that need refinement?
The Risk of Overcommitting Too Soon
This isn’t the first time the Flyers have faced this kind of decision. Just look at the Owen Tippett situation - they signed him long-term, and it hasn’t quite panned out the way they’d hoped.
That’s the cautionary tale here. Locking up young players before they fully establish their roles can backfire, especially if their development plateaus or if the team’s competitive timeline doesn’t align with the contract’s peak years.
It’s also worth noting that the Flyers are still in the middle of a broader rebuild or retool - call it what you will. They’re not in a position to hand out long-term deals just to keep fans entertained. Building a contender means making smart, sometimes tough, decisions - even if that means letting a flashy player walk or keeping contract terms shorter than fans might like.
What a Deal Could Look Like
If Zegras continues at his current pace, a long-term extension could still be on the table. But it’s likely to come with a ceiling.
Don’t expect the Flyers to throw $11 million per year at him. Even $10 million seems unlikely.
A figure closer to $9 million would be more realistic - and even then, only if he continues to produce and shows growth in other areas of his game, particularly off the puck.
There’s also the mid-range option: something like a four-year deal in the ballpark of $8.5 to $9 million annually. That would give the Flyers flexibility and give Zegras time to further prove himself.
It’s a compromise that makes a lot of sense for both sides. The team avoids long-term risk, and Zegras gets a chance to earn that mega deal down the line.
Lessons From the Past
The Flyers have been down this road before. Think back to the Travis Konecny deal.
There was pressure to lock him up long-term, and while Konecny has been a solid contributor, there’s always the danger of a player starting to decline just as the team is hitting its stride. That’s the nightmare scenario: a long-term contract that becomes an anchor just as the team is ready to contend.
That’s why the Flyers are being cautious. They’re not just thinking about today - they’re thinking three, four, five years down the line. It’s about timing, fit, and making sure the roster is built to peak together.
Bottom Line
Trevor Zegras is a dynamic young player with sky-high potential. But the Flyers are right to take a measured approach.
Whether it’s a bridge deal or a carefully structured mid-range contract, the key is staying flexible. Overcommitting now could hurt them later - and with the pieces they’re trying to build around, timing is everything.
So while fans might want to see Zegras locked in for the long haul, the Flyers are playing it smart. And in today’s NHL, patience isn’t just a virtue - it’s a strategy.