Philadelphia Flyers: Rewarded Contracts will Lead to Success

By Denise Mroz |

Philadelphia Flyers fans held their breath through the 2015 NHL Draft and Free Agency pondering if Ron Hextall was going to make some drastic moves. But, Hextall remained “Hextall”, making wise, risk-free choices. This has been his intention since he joined the Philadelphia Flyers organization as the General Manager.

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His consistent philosophy is to keep young players and build skills based on potential. With this understood, resigning players with contract extensions due to their production was no surprise.

Chris Vandevelde, age 28, 6-2, 190 lb., C, was re-signed this offseason to a two-year, 1.425 million dollar contract. In the 2012-2013 season, he played as little as 11 NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers. In 2013-2014, he appeared in a total of 18 NHL games for the Flyers recording one NHL assist in a season of being loaned back and forth between Adirondack and the NHL.

During this time in Adirondack, he posted seven goals, six assists, 13 points in 23 games, which included three goals in a four-game span. Ending the 2014-2015 season, Vandevelde played 79 games with nine goals, six assists, totaling 15 points. For many fans, he quickly became a favorite.

Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Vandevelde played under new head coach Dave Hakstol during his college years at the University of North Dakota. He has the advantage of knowing how Hakstol operates, and this can help him to progress. Vandevelde could be an astounding value on the fourth line, bringing the puck to the net and becoming a consistent secondary scorer. A value the organization needs.

Also signed this offseason was Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, age 30, 6-1, 198 lb., LW. He signed to a two-year, 1.425 million dollar contract. Bellemare came to the Flyers from the Skelleftea AIK of the Swedish Hockey League where he spent the past five seasons earning a total of 64 goals, 61 assists for 125 points in 238 games.

Apr 7, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (78) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

For the Flyers, he played in 62 games and posted four goals, four assists, 8 points. A diamond in the rough, many felt he would not have stayed on NHL ice as long as he did.

Predictions of him being sent down to the AHL diminished due to his quickness, and sharp puck handling. Bellemare may make an excellent third line wing alongside Sean Couturier or Brayden Schenn. With his persistence, expect to see his growth.

Another player rewarded with a well-earned, one year 800,000 dollar contract is Ryan White. The 6-0, 183 lb. forward was originally signed as a free agent in 2014. He spent the beginning of the 2014-2015 season recovering from surgery.

Due to this, he played only 34 games with six goals, six assists, earning 12 points. A career high for him. White plays with heart and determination that helped to make him fruitful in the 34 games he dressed.

He’s not afraid to chase the puck into the corners. White may be a benefit to the team in the 2015-2016 season flanking Vandevelde on the fourth line. The two of them may amaze together.

Apr 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Ryan White (25) celebrates after a goal by Philadelphia Flyers center Brayden Schenn (not pictured) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Hextall’s decision to keep these players around may be just what the team needs for consistency and growth. They are three players ready to prove themselves on the NHL ice. Keep an eye on them this coming season.

Next: The Flyers' Enforcers for Next Season

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