The Philadelphia Flyers won’t rush an extension for Trevor Zegras

Don’t expect a contract extension for Trevor Zegras anytime soon

Russ Cohen of Sportsology.com, NHLDraftBuzz.com, Off the Post Podcast and Sirius XM NHL Network Radio were on the Full Press NHL podcast with Jim Biringer and was asked about a Trevor Zegras expansion with the Philadelphia Flyers. Cohen stated that the Flyers should not commit to anything long-term with Zegras, and that a mid-range deal might be best.

NHLRumors.com Transcripts

Jim Biringer: “I think one of the missions left in Philadelphia is to figure out how long we’re going to keep Trevor Zegras around, because he’s RFA at the end of the year, so he’s still being monitored, but I believe he’s arbitration eligible. And what do you think the Flyers are going to do long-term, or as a mid-range deal?”

NHL Rumors: The Edmonton Oilers’ Problems, and Would Jordan Binnington Solve Them?

Russ Cohen: “It’s interesting, because people are already writing, well, you should sign him long term. It’s like they did that with Owen Tippett. That doesn’t work. There is a reason why there are these RFA years. So you shouldn’t rush into something and do it, and I don’t think they should rush and do it now.

I think Zegras can be a point-a-game player, and if he is, that’s good. The problem is they got him hoping he can be a center. He is not going to play centrally. So now that you know he’s not going to play center, and you have quite a few wings, how much are you really willing to pay this guy? I’ve heard people say they should sign him regardless of price to keep the talent there.

And I don’t think that’s the way it should work in this league. If you do that, you’re not going to build your team correctly. You’re just not. Fans will be happy because they will be entertained, but that is not the way to go.

So I think if he stays at the current pace, they will give him a long-term contract. Would I pay him 11? No. Would I pay him 10? No. Nine is what I would pay him. Nine it would be, because he’s still not quite off the puck, and there are other things in his game he could work on, but the offense is great, and the fact that he’s winning in shootouts and stuff, those are all big bonuses.

And he’s great. Look, he’s a great guy. He plays loose. So if not, get him a four-year contract. Sign up for four years at 8.5-9, and that’s it. For example, you will see where you are and where he is at that moment.

NHL Rumors: Kiefer Sherwood and Alex Formenton

Again, I went back to the Travis Koncency deal and people said, Oh, you should sign him long term. And I think the worst case scenario here is that you sign a long-term deal, and by year four, when it starts to decline, they start to get good, and you go in the opposite direction, and there’s a chance that happens.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumors overviews and hot topics from around the league. We also post some stuff Instagram.