The Philadelphia Flyers entered this season looking to take a step in their rebuild. While the team didn't officially guarantee a playoff showing, they did want to see improvement. Through 13 games, the Flyers are 7-5-1 on the year and are tied for fourth place in the Metropolitan Division.
This offseason, the Flyers took a chance on bringing in a star in Trevor Zegras, who had fallen out of favor with the Anaheim Ducks. The hope was that a change of scenery would work wonders for Zegras, and so far, it has. Through the 13 games, Zegras has four goals and 11 assists to his credit. A solid start for Zegras. So much so, that one NHL insider wonders if this is the start of a lengthy stay for the forward.
In his latest "32 Thoughts" column, Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed Zegras' early start with the Flyers. Considering how well Zegras has played, Friedman wonders if the team could reward him with a contract extension.
Philadelphia could be the long term fit Zegras has been looking for
"Extension I’m starting to wonder about: Trevor Zegras, Philadelphia. Eligible now. Yes, it’s only been 13 games, but it looks like a good fit and I can see the Flyers gauging interest in lengthening the relationship," writes Friedman.
One has to wonder if the Flyers are already thinking about retaining Zegras before the summer. Friedman certainly thinks it's warranted.
Zegras is not set to hit the open market, one that lacks superstars, next summer. He is a restricted free agent, meaning that the Flyers hold negotiation rights. He is not eligible to hit unrestricted free agency until the conclusion of the 2027-28 season.
But, it wouldn't hurt for the Flyers to get a head start on things and not have to worry about a new contract for the foreseeable future. Would the Flyers consider negotiating with Zegras during this season? Or would they rather wait until the season is over to sit at the negotiations table?
Zegras has 15 points so far, nearly halfway to matching his points total last year, where he put up 32 points in 57 games. Zegras' tenure in Anaheim ultimately flamed out due to dealing with a position change to winger that then-head coach Greg Cronin wanted, falling out of favor with the Ducks regime, and holding out for a contract. That resulted in the Ducks finally moving on from Zegras, who the Flyers wanted, in exchange for Ryan Poehling, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
Early on in his first season in Philadelphia, Zegras feels like a perfect fit. Now, it's up to the team and Zegras to decide whether they want to negotiate a brand-new contract.