It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. The 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Final matchup is set showcasing the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, but we’ve got plenty to discuss regarding other teams. Clubs that were eliminated early or missed the post-season have to go back to the drawing board. Some clubs have already gotten a jump on trying to lock down their own players. However, it might be easier said than done. Today’s NHL rumours focuses on the Philadelphia Flyers negotiations with one of their top players.
All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Philadelphia Flyers Negotiation Update on Top Forward
Rumour: Anthony Di Marco of The Fourth Period reported that negotiations with Travis Konecny and the Flyers have yet to really get going. It seems that the two sides are a bit apart on money.
Konecny’s Next Contract and What It Means https://t.co/38D1P8FwxC
— The Fourth Period (@TFP) May 30, 2024
Analysis: Konecny has been one of the bright spots on a Flyers offence that’s still a work in progress. Philadelphia was in playoff position for most of the season, but a late-season collapse cost them a post-season berth. Konecny did notch 33 goals and 35 assists in 76 games this season. The London, Ontario native does have one more season on his current deal that sees him make $5.5 million. However, Konecny would love to get himself a well-deserved raise from the team.
Give and Take
Di Marco reported that Konecny’s side wants $10 million while the Flyers want to keep it in the $8-8.5 million range. Some Flyers fans might be getting nervous at hearing the two sides are far apart. Conversely, Di Marco is quick to quell any unwarranted panic.
It’s often that two sides give different numbers and then work back to common ground. The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz pointed out that Konecny’s situation is similar to that of New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier. The 2015 draftee signed an eight-year, $70.4 million contract with the Devils. Meier has similar numbers to that of Konecny and that value could be used by Flyers General Manager Daniel Briere.
The rising salary cap means that Konecny will likely get just a little bit more than Meier. Something around $9 million might be the number for the 27-year-old winger. Konecny can sign a contract extension on July 1 since he’ll be entering the last year of his deal.
Risk vs Reward
Konecny might have a problem when it comes to age. Meier was turning 27 when his new deal kicked in. However, Konecny will be 28 years and six months old when his next contract kicks in. Di Marco points out that his means the Flyers will be taking a risk just based on age alone. The Flyers may also have the hammer when it comes to the depth of their forward positions. Owen Tippett got a big deal after being put on a wing. Bobby Brink and Samu Tuomaala also have a chance to be highly-regarded wingers.
Despite this, Konecny is still the highest-producing winger on the roster. He might want to get a move on when it comes to a deal. This is because a new prospect may be coming to town sooner than people think.
There’s been chatter that Matvei Michkov might be getting to North American before anyone anticipated. The KHL standout and former first-round pick might be in the fold before Konecny’s deal is signed. Seeing Michkov sign a deal before Konecny might be beneficial for Philadelphia. The club would likely try to avoid giving an eight-figure deal to Konecny because Michkov is likely to be a fixture on the Flyers for the next decade on the top line.
However, talks between the Flyers and Konecny are cordial at this point according to Di Marco. A deal will likely get done sooner rather than later with information coming at a trickle until the deal gets finished.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
