Flyers sign David Jiricek to two-year contract extension

The Philadelphia Flyers have locked up what they hope is a core piece of the blueline.

The team announced on Wednesday, they've signed right-handed defenceman David Jiricek to a two-year contract extension worth $1.5 million AAV. Jiricek was acquired by the Flyers ahead of this season's trade deadline, in a deal that saw Bobby Brink head to the Minnesota Wild.

Jiricek, 22, has been playing with the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms since the deal went down, and has two goals and 10 points in 10 games with the Phantoms. It's only a matter of time before he's a regular blueliner for the Flyers, which likely will be as soon as next season.

The Klatovy, Czechia native was a pending restricted free agent prior to the deal being announced, and now has some security heading into the offseason. The crazy part is the fact Jiricek was once a highly touted prospect, and is now on his third team already, after being selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets sixth overall at the 2022 NHL Draft.

The Blue Jackets dealt Jiricek to the Wild for four draft picks, and once Quinn Hughes arrived in Minnesota, it became clear GM Bill Guerin was going to leverage his potential to find some more forward depth for his group.

Through 84 career NHL games, Jiricek has registered two goals and 13 points, meanwhile has posted 87 points in 149 AHL games.

Photo credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images