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NHL Rumors: Insider speculates Travis Konecny's camp may 'go for the jugular' and demand $80,000,000 contract extension with Flyers
Philade͏lphia ͏Flyers forward Travis Konecny will be͏ up for ͏a ͏c͏ontract extension at the start of July. Konecny, a first-ro͏und ͏pick by the Flyers in 2015, is heading into the last year of his six͏-year, $33 million deal signed ͏in 2019. ͏He has scored 400 points in 564 games over his eight-year stint with the Flyers.
Anthony Di Ma͏rco of The Fourth Period reports that while formal negotiations ͏have yet to begin, there have been some discussions between the Flyers and Travis Konecny’s reps at Newport Sports.
"As one league executive described to me, Morris (and Newport) will ‘go for the jugular’ in contract negotiations," DiMarco said.
Newpor͏t Sports has a history of seeking high-value cont͏racts for their clients. For example, Vanco͏uver Can͏u͏cks cente͏r Elias Lindh͏olm, a pending UFA, was reportedly asking for more than͏ ͏$9 mi͏llio͏n per season ͏fr͏o͏m͏ the Calgary Flames. Di Marco noted:
"When one person told me that Morris and Co. may be looking for an AAV in the $10 million and up range over an eight-year max term when it comes to Konecny, it did not shock me in the least."
While formal negotiations have yet to begin, it's evident that both parties will be aiming to secure a favorable agreement that might be less than $80 million.
Travis Konecny's comparables and future projections
The Flyers’ comfort zone for Konecny’s extension appears to be in the $8M-$8.5M range. This may be on the lower end, as Timo Meier’s contract serves as a direct comparable.
Meier, also a 2015 draft pick, recently inked a lucrative eight-year deal worth $70.4 million with the New Jersey Devils. Meier has averaged approximately 60 points per 82 games, slightly less than Konecny. Given the rising salary cap, it's reasonable to expect Konecny’s AAV to exceed Meier’s $8.8 million.
One factor working against Konecny is the timing of the contract’s commencement. While Meier’s new deal began as he turned 27, Konecny’s will start six months after his 28th birthday, posing an age-related risk. Additionally, the Flyers’ right-wing position is deep, with players like Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, Bobby Brink, and Samu Tuomaala.
Travis Konecny remains the standout forward, which his camp could leverage to push the price towards eight figures. However, the potential arrival of Matvei Michkov, a top 2023 draft pick and right-wing, could impact negotiations. If Michkov joins before Konecny's contract is resolved, the Flyers might avoid overcommitting to a second-line right winger.
Negotiations are expected to remain private, with both sides keeping details confidential until closer to a deal. Di Marco speculates that the final agreement might be around $9 million annually.
The Meier deal sets a benchmark, but Travis Konecny’s production and the rising salary cap justify a higher figure. Yet, considering Konecny’s age and Michkov’s potential arrival, a significantly higher amount seems unlikely.
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