Konecny signs 8-year, $70 million contract with Flyers

Travis Konecny signed an eight-year, $70 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. It has an average annual value of $8.75 million and begins with the 2025-26 season.

The 27-year-old forward was entering the final season of a six-year, $33 million contract ($5.5 million AAV) he signed Sept. 16, 2019, and could have become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

"I just wanted to get this over with and make sure that there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be a Flyer for life and what we had been working towards and what I believed that this team can be," Konecny said. "This is where I wanted to be. It was pretty easy for me to make the decision that I was going to stay here as long as possible."

Konecny became eligible to sign a contract July 1 and when he talked about his future with his wife, Karly, staying in Philadelphia became an easy choice.

"When you have an opportunity to go into free agency, you discuss things within your household first," he said. "That was a quick decision for us. It was a no-brainer that we really enjoy where we're at, how we're treated. That was the first thing, and then I moved on to look at what I believe in this team. And again, that was a no-brainer for me, to see where the organization is going and what they're trying to do.

"I just looked at it as an opportunity to stay in Philly as long as possible and they felt the same way. So it was a pretty easy decision."

Konecny led the Flyers in goals (33), assists (35) and points (68) last season, and was first in the NHL with six short-handed goals.

He was selected by the Flyers in the first round (No. 24) of the 2015 NHL Draft and has 400 points (174 goals, 226 assists) in 564 regular-season games and eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 22 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

"Travis Konecny is an integral part of the fabric of our team and we are thrilled to have him under contract for the long-term," general manager Daniel Briere said. "Travis has grown into a significant leader on our team and he truly embodies what it means to be a Flyer. His work ethic, combined with his tenacity and talent makes him a central figure for what we are building towards, and his determination for our future success speaks volumes about his commitment to our team and city."

The Flyers (38-33-11) have missed the playoffs each of the past four seasons, including last season when they finished four points behind the Washington Capitals for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.

But Konecny is confident that postseason success is close.

"If I get the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup, which I believe we can do in Philly, it just wouldn't feel like an accomplishment unless it was with the Flyers, the team that believed in me," Konecny said. "And I wanted to show the same respect when I had an opportunity to venture out and do my own thing. I believe in the Flyers as well. I've always been in it for the long haul and I'm really, really excited for the next chapter here and see what we can do."