Trevor Zegras Re-Signs with the Philadelphia Flyers for 4 Years, $36.5M ($9.125M AAV)
After Daniel Brière tabled the most valuable contract in NHL history on an average annual value (AAV) basis, the Flyers’ general manager pivoted to one of the team’s star forwards, Trevor Zegras.
Zegras is coming off a season in which he set career highs in both goals (26) and points (67). He was integral to the Flyers’ playoff run, where they advanced to the second round, recording six points in 10 games. Zegras is a somewhat one-dimensional player, primarily known as a play driver and scorer, but not particularly recognized for his defensive strengths.
According to PuckPedia, Zegras is currently slotted to play between Tyson Foerster and Porter Martone. Foerster’s numbers were hampered by a shoulder injury that sidelined him for five months, but he’s already signed to an eight-year extension worth $7.1M annually after this season, setting up strong chemistry for years to come. Porter Martone made his NHL debut after being called up from NCAA Division I (Michigan State) late in the year, posting 10 points in nine regular-season games. This line is going to be a treat to watch as the two players around Zegras continue to develop into their own games and careers.
The only question I have about this deal is why Dvorak is projected as the No. 1 center. Signed for five years at almost half of Zegras’ cap hit, I’m not sure he’s the best option to center the top line. It’s possible that Zegras eventually moves up to the first line, both because of his salary and if he continues his breakout performance.
While I think someone making north of $9M per year should be in the point-per-game or just-below-point-per-game range, I do think Zegras can get there as the pieces around him continue to improve. This looks like a bit of an overpay today, but one that could easily become a steal next year or the year after. It’s hard to know just how good this contract could end up being, especially depending on how quickly the salary cap rises. The Flyers still need to sign Grebenkin and Drysdale, but with roughly $20M in cap space, they should have more than enough room to get both deals done.
Daniel Brière, if you’re reading this, thank you for kicking off the RFA drama with Carlsson and making this free agency one of the most entertaining in years.
