Philadelphia Flyers: 3 Players With Expiring Contracts

With the off-season almost completed, it feels right to take a preview into next year's. In this segment, we will be looking at three players from each team who have expiring contracts. Both restricted and unrestricted free agents are eligible for discussion.

In this piece, let's take a look at the Philadelphia Flyers. They have two big name players who are due for new contracts next off-season, so they will have work to do. The other player who stands out is a veteran defenseman who may not be a star, but handles his role well with the team.

Claude Giroux C/LW (UFA): The biggest player who has an expiring deal is captain Claude Giroux. After the Flyers re-signed Sean Couturier, it was announced by GM Chuck Fletcher that he will wait to have discussions with Giroux until after the season. Even at 33 years old, Giroux is still an effective scorer in this league. In 54 games this past season, he scored 16 goals and recorded 43 points, which was tied for first on the team. That is pretty solid production, especially when remembering that Philadelphia struggled a lot this past year. In 943 games with the Flyers over his 14-year career, he has 273 goals, 585 assists and 859 points.

Rasmus Ristolainen D (UFA): Rasmus Ristolainen was one of the big additions that the Flyers made this off-season. To acquire him, the Flyers gave Robert Hagg, their 14th overall pick and a 2023 second-round pick. Thus, it was a big price, but Ristolainen should be a very solid player for them. Yet, he is due for a contract at the end the season and can become an unrestricted free agent. If he has a strong first year with the Flyers, he will certainly demand an expensive contract to stick around.

Justin Braun D (UFA): Justin Braun also has an expiring contract and is eligible for unrestricted free agency. In 53 games this past season, he had a goal and six points, so his best offensive days may be behind him. However, he works well as a bottom-pair shutdown defenseman, so perhaps they could look to re-sign him to a cheap deal next summer.