Another pending free agent domino has fallen, as the Philadelphia Flyers announced that Christian Dvorak has been extended on a five-year deal worth $5.15MM per season. The news was first reported by Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff, who shared that the two sides were closing in earlier this evening.
According to Kevin Kurz of The Athletic, the agreement carries a no-trade clause for the first two years, a limited no-trade clause in years three and four, and finally, no trade protection in the fifth and final year.
The extension will keep the soon-to-be 30-year-old Dvorak in the orange and black for what could prove to be his longest stay anywhere, after five and four year stops in Arizona and Montreal, respectively.
Signed by the Flyers last summer on a one-year deal worth $5.4MM, Dvorak has been a strong fit, with 25 points in 39 games so far this season which is on pace to be a career best by a considerable margin. Somewhat surprisingly, the Illinois native has become a top center on a Flyers club right in the playoff mix, and rather than hit the market with his value as high as ever, Dvorak cashes in and now can settle in on his home for years to come.
AFP Analytics predicted that if he were to hit the open market, Dvorak could have been due for a four year contract worth $5.6MM per. Given the especially thin center market, the money is right on track, and the extra year may have been the cherry on top to get it done.
Chosen in the second round of the 2014 draft by Arizona, the Montreal Canadiens were impressed by Dvorak’s track record in five seasons as a ‘Yote. Just prior to the start of the 2021-22 campaign, they gave up first and second round picks, setting him up with an opportunity to blossom into a true top six center. Dvorak came to the Habs in a transitional phase, as former GM Marc Bergevin tried to create a new window. It didn’t materialize as envisioned, and shortly thereafter, Bergevin was let go. Even through a rebuild, Dvorak managed to stick around, but he never took another step as a Hab, dealing with injuries and never eclipsing the 33-point mark.
In need of a placeholder center, the Flyers were content to give Dvorak a “prove it” deal where the center bet on himself, aware he’d likely hold a larger role in Philadelphia. A possible spring trade-flip was likely in the back of the Flyers’ minds, but instead, to Dvorak’s credit, it has paid off. Such a contract may bring some sticker shock, but even as the Flyers’ youth takes form in coming years, Dvorak brings real intangibles. As shared by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, GM Daniel Briere spoke highly of Dvorak’s trustworthy two-way abilities, and his key role in the locker room.
What will be most fascinating, is where his game goes from here. On paper, Dvorak figures to age into a bottom six center capable of strong shutdown play, but his current metrics lean offensively, with a questionable defensive impact. Still just 39 games into his tenure, Philadelphia is banking on the center to continue such offensive output and not regress to his previous ~30 point level. Clearly they hold Dvorak in high regard, and with ample cap space and an extremely limited free agent market this summer, it may be a gamble worth taking. Dvorak figures to be a respectable bridge-gapper for center prospects Jett Luchanko and Jack Nesbitt, both quintessential Flyers following Briere’s vision.
With Dvorak out of the fold, along with Alexander Wennberg, who re-upped with San Jose yesterday at three years, $6MM per season, even more eyes turn to Utah’s Nick Schmaltz, in the midst of a great season. Based on recent developments, Utah may need to weigh their options with their top line center. The Mammoth still hold onto an outside shot at the postseason, where they’d love to make their first appearance in franchise history, but a top scorer may be preparing to hit the open market in July.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s core is now mostly locked up entering 2026-27, outside of Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, both pending restricted free agents. If they can maintain their performance of late and make a real playoff push, Briere still holds enough cap flexibility to supplement the group further. Dvorak will work to prove his value as a Flyer, scoring when needed and contributing in all situations, giving the team a big morale boost from today’s news.
Photo Courtesy of Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Danny whyyyyy?
5 mil a year for a guy that averages maybe 35 points a year???
It’s the new moneyball
That’s the market on a middle 6 C
16, 23, And -7 for Dvorak on an 82 game average for a decade, Briere is stupid! And, Let’s not forget, Tocchet still won’t give Michkov any power play time, And he’s 9th in TOI, Alot of dummies running the Flyers. Good luck with that.
Those same dummies that have the team in playoff position at the half way point?
A player that shows up to training camp out of shape will have limited usage for conditioning and accountability. He also leads the team in penalty minutes, struggles with puck support and has costly turnovers. No coach would currently want that on a power play
For as gifted as Michkov is, his shortcomings are glaring and that’s not an indictment on the “dummies”
Lock in that mediocrity for years to come.
Solid two way player with good minutes and special teams, proficient on face offs and is apparently great in the locker room. If that’s mediocrity, you must have some high standards
five years for a player turning 30 in February.. not going to age well .. will be stealing minutes from younger players when they’re ready to seriously contend
I really don’t get this move, especially with some young centers needing a spot in the coming years. Good for Dvorak though.
Needless ballast of a contract.
Really the best way to put it. The money per year is fine. The length is worrying. The no trade protections ruin it.
The no trade is crazy, but at least it’s a bit phased.
Apparently a good team fit, great in the locker room for the younger guys. A role model that can be easily moved down when the younger guys are ready for the top lines. And he’s going to be pumpex up and loyal – finally a team that’s trusting him. It’s a good contract I think.