The Philadelphia Flyers are a team focused on the future. That much was proven during the 2023-24 season that saw them miss the playoffs after holding a spot for most of the year.
The Flyers probably could have made a couple of shortsighted trades that led to them making the playoffs but were they getting through the New York Rangers or Florida Panthers in the first two rounds? It is possible as is anything in sports but highly unlikely.
A lot of decisions have to be made by the Flyers over the next 12 months and the result of these decisions could make or break their rebuild.
One decision that looms is the status of Travis Konecny. 2024-25 is the final year of his current deal worth $5.5 million. He is going to expect a pay raise considering his recent play.
The Philadelphia Flyers have a truly wonderful player in Travis Konecny
In 2023-24, Konecny had 33 goals and 35 assists for 68 points in 76 games played. As the team gets better, those numbers may improve as well. He is one of the best power forwards in the NHL.
Every team loves a high-end scorer that also brings some grit. Konecny is that guy for the Flyers. There is a lot of bite to his game which makes him even more valuable.
Whatever contract he signs will begin with his age-28 season. You always have to be careful with these free agents in the middle of their prime.
If the Flyers are smart, they'll try to lock him into a five or six-year deal at a fair price. He won't get 10 million or anything like that but he may want it to be in the 7 or 8 range.
The Flyers can afford him, especially with the salary cap going up. There are a lot of good forwards coming up through the pipeline and this will be a great person to help guide them.
Leaders are important in the NHL and Konecny has proven that he can be one of those. He wears an A on his chest for a reason. Sometimes, players are perfect for the organization they play for. Konecny was built to be a Philadelphia Flyer.