Analysis

Flyers: 2024-2025 is a Great Prelude to the Konecny Extension

by
Eric Reese
January 24, 2025

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Travis Konecny, 27, is on pace to set a new career-high for points.

Last season, Konecny totaled 68 points (33G, 35A) in 76GP. He passed 60+ points for the third time in his career.

His 55 points (21G, 33A) in 49GP proves Konecny found a new gear. He averages more than a point per game for the first time since 2022-2023 (61PT; 60GP). It’s still mad that Konecny wasn’t an NHL All-Star in 2023, but he is reaping the rewards now, competing in the 2025 4 Nations Faceoff.

“As far as that stuff, it would be an honor. You look forward to those types of things.” – Travis Konecny; 12/2/2024

We’ve witnessed the evolution of a skater. Over the last three seasons, Konecny led the Philadelphia Flyers (22-21-6) in point production. He took on a leadership role and commanded special teams throughout the continued rebuild. An alternate captain, Konecny has a blooming NHL profile. He is a star.

Tied with Martin Nečas, Konecny ranks 11th in points scored. Nečas leads the Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes are momentarily postseason-bound. Philadelphia is fighting for an Eastern Conference Wildcard, with Konecny leading the team.

A comparison to Nečas is respectable. Konecny trails David Pastrňák and Jack Hughes by one point.

Suddenly, the 8yr/$70mil extension starting next season looks great.

Sources say Flyers forward Travis Konecny isn’t going anywhere, as the 27-year-old is closing in on an extension to stay in Philly.

My source: ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/uNLS382vjy

— Travis Sanheim (@sanheim17) July 25, 2024

Pastrňák, 28, is in his second season of an 8yr/$90mil extension through 2031. Nečas, 26, agreed to a 2yr/$13mil extension ending after next season. Hughes, 23, is in the thick of an 8yr/$64mil contract through 2030.

As the salary cap increases, the market will rise. Konecny carries an $8.75mil cap hit starting in 2025-2026. The Flyers have not experienced Konecny at his peak. His ninth NHL season reads like a breakthrough. Daniel Brière curated a team-friendly extension to keep Konecny in Philadelphia.

Dylan Larkin (8yr/69.6mil) is neck-and-neck with Konecny in goal-scoring (21). Kyle Connor (7yr/$50mil) draws with Konecny in assists (34) and shorthanded goals (1). Mikko Rantanen (6yr/$55.5mil) is even with Konecny in powerplay goals (8). Each will be due for a new contract before Konecny, particularly Connor and Rantanen, 28, who won’t be 30 years old when their current contract expires.

Konecny is a two-time NHL All-Star and will compete at the 2025 4 Nations Faceoff. He’s dining, this season, with other NHL All-Stars, winners of the Maurice Richard Trophy, the Lady Byng Trophy, and most importantly, the Stanley Cup. For all intents and purposes, Konecny is one of the most under-appreciated stars in the NHL.

How the Flyers value Konecny doesn’t live and die on point production, nor should it. However, Konecny looks like a star who will maintain his edge while playing a vital role alongside younger skaters like Matvei Michkov, Owen Tippett, Noah Cates, Tyson Foerster, Morgan Frost, and Bobby Brink.

He asserts himself in each game, standing up for his teammates while playing the pest.

At $8.75mil/AAV, Brière did well. Skaters like Konecny will command more than $8.75mil over the next few seasons. Bill Zito recognized the market demand when he signed Matthew Tkachuk (8yr/$76mil) in 2022. Tkachuk exceeded 100+ points (109; 40G, 69A) in his first season with the Florida Panthers, whereas Konecny regrouped and refined his skill set under John Tortorella.

This is an outstanding campaign. Konecny is scoring, assisting, and remaining a special teams threat. He hasn’t turned down a chance to stir the pot either, as evidenced by a fight with Yanni Gourde earlier this season. These are some reasons why Konecny is ultra-valuable to Philadelphia. The long-term can be a bitter pill, but the contract is so far, so sweet.

“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. 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.” – Daniel Brière; 7/25/24

Brière and Konecny prioritized contract length. He’s the most valuable skater of the rebuild (to date), and Brière didn’t overpay to keep him. Compare Konecny to the top ten in NHL points (current cap hit, final contract season, and age: