The Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in a tight spot this season, with a 32-23-12 record and sitting six points away from a playoff berth. While the postseason isn't out of reach, the odds are slim at 5.8 percent, according to Money Puck. As the season winds down, it's time to look ahead to summer and the critical decisions awaiting the Flyers.
This offseason, the Flyers face a significant roster shuffle with 26 players potentially hitting free agency. Of these, 15 are restricted free agents (RFAs) and the rest unrestricted.
Many are with the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms or serve as depth players for the Flyers. While many will part ways, the focus will be on the key RFAs whose contracts are vital for the franchise's future.
The spotlight is on Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, both pivotal players for the Flyers. Zegras, with 22 goals and 32 assists, is a scoring leader, while Drysdale, with seven goals and 20 assists, anchors the defense. Their contract negotiations will be crucial for the Flyers’ aspirations.
With the salary cap set to rise, both players are in line for significant raises. Last summer’s contract for Cam York at $5.15 million AAV over five years sets a benchmark for Drysdale. Given his development, Drysdale could see a deal similar to Travis Sanheim’s $6.25 million AAV, which could be a bargain as the cap increases.
Zegras, on the other hand, might command even more. A comparison can be made to Gabe Vilardi's six-year, $7.5 million AAV contract with the Winnipeg Jets. With similar production and injury history, Zegras could be looking at an $8 million AAV, depending on contract length and trade clauses.
The secondary RFAs, including Sam Ersson, Nikita Grebenkin, Emil Andrae, Aleksei Kolosov, and David Jiricek, present different challenges. Ersson and Andrae might be on their way out, either through trades or non-renewals, as they no longer fit the team’s plans.
Grebenkin has shown versatility and skill, making him a candidate for a bridge deal. Jiricek, still proving himself, is also likely to receive a short-term contract to further evaluate his potential.
A particularly intriguing case is Kolosov. Despite a rocky start with the Flyers and underwhelming NHL stats, he remains young for a goalie. With a .903 SV% in the AHL, he could still develop, but his future with the Flyers is uncertain given the depth in goaltending prospects.
General Manager Danny Briere has a busy offseason ahead, from securing top-line talent to reinforcing the goaltending roster. However, locking in contracts for future stars like Drysdale and Zegras should be the top priority, ensuring they remain cornerstones of the Flyers’ lineup for years to come.