Breaking NHL News: Flyers Lock In Christian Dvorak With Big Extension

Philadelphia Flyers center Christian Dvorak

It was rumored to be coming over the past week or so, now it's a done deal. The Philadelphia Flyers and pending UFA Christian Dvorak have agreed on a five-year extension.

Christian Dvorak signs a five-year extension with the #flyers carrying a $5.15M AAV

Another potential 2026 UFA comes off the board
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 6, 2026

The deal is worth a $5.15 million AAV, and will take him to age 35 in 2031. The contract includes a no-trade clause for the first two years, a limited no-trade clause in years three and four, but no trade protection in year five. He had signed a one-year deal with Philly this past summer for $5.4M.

Dvorak is having a career half-season thus far, with 25 points in 39 games. He's been playing mainly first-line minutes with Trevor Zegras, along with Travis Konecny. Dvorak & Zegras have been a revelation as a pairing.

Most of the response around Flyers supporters is that the five-year term is a little much. Dvorak has never had more than 38 points in a season before. But insider Anthony Di Marco pleads the case for the deal:

He plugs a whole with no heir apparent, clicks with one of your best players and fits the system. The AAV is more than fair given the market/rising cap.

But completely valid to heavily question the term. https://t.co/SdtAmkRQ3W
— Anthony Di Marco (@ADiMarco25) January 6, 2026

Flyers GM Danny Briere has released a statement:

“We’re very happy to have Christian be a part of the Philadelphia Flyers for the foreseeable future. He has played a pivotal role in our team’s success this season and proven to be a reliable, two-way center that can be trusted in all situations. More importantly, he plays a big role in our locker room and has fit in seamlessly to our group and what we are building.”

Dvorak is in his 10th NHL season, and has 274 points in 573 games, averaging 16:27 of ice time per night.

The Flyers are currently third place in the Metropolitan Division, at 21-12-7. They are one point out of second, heading into play Monday night.