The Philadelphia Flyers have two key restricted free agents this summer. As RFAs, the Flyers hold their exclusive negotiating rights. Keeping those rights hinges on one key factor, however.
The Flyers are set to see forward Trevor Zegras and defenseman Jamie Drysdale’s contracts expire at season’s end.
The club will need to extend a Qualifying Offer to keep the rights to both players. For Zegras, his QO is $5.75 million, the same as his current cap hit. It would be ludicrous to imagine that the Flyers wouldn’t extend one. Similarly, Drysdale has a $2.3 million QO, just like his cap hit.
So, assuming the Flyers quickly move to extend a QO to both Zegras and Drysdale, the main issue would be agreeing to a new contract.
That’s where the rubber likely hits the road. As Flyers insider Anthony DiMarco noted in Daily Faceoff, Zegras won’t likely come cheap. In DiMarco’s estimation, Zegras could fetch around $9 to $9.5 million on the open market. That’s a reasonable number considering his talent and current production level.
However, the Flyers will be looking to keep his AAV down on a long-term deal. For instance, signing the 25-year-old to an eight-year deal could significantly bring that number down.
But what if Zegras isn’t exactly keen on signing for the long haul? He’s two years away from unrestricted free agency, potentially allowing him to cash in.
By that measure, would a two or three-year deal be in the cards for Zegras and the Flyers? It’s a possibility considering that the cap will be going up for at least the next two seasons. Moreover, Zegras’ production may continue to increase, justifying an even bigger deal. Perhaps Zegras is willing to sign for about $8 million per season on a two-year deal. Such a contract would only kick the can down the road. But it could be the most palatable outcome for both sides.
Flyers may have easier time holding onto Drysdale
As for Drysdale, it might be a bit easier to hold onto him. While the 24-year-old has made strides this season, he isn’t quite the Flyers’ number-one blueliner. Drysdale is currently a middle-pairing defenseman. But that doesn’t mean he can’t move up the depth chart.
The Flyers would be wise to extend Drysdale as long as possible, given the chatter surrounding Rasmus Ristolainen. The prevailing talk is that the Flyers could be looking to move the Finnish blueliner this summer. If that situation indeed materializes, the Flyers will need Drysdale to step up.
According to DiMarco’s math, Drysdale could come in around $4 million AAV. That’s a reasonable raise from his current cap hit. As such, Flyers fans could see Drysdale staying on board for the foreseeable future.
With Philly still fighting for a playoff spot, this discussion will likely hit the back burner until the Flyers make it or fall out of contention.