Philadelphia Flyers Signing Jamie Drysdale To Multi-Year Extension
Per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Flyers are working on a multi-year contract extension with young defenseman Jamie Drysdale that should land in the neighborhood of a $6 million average annual value.
"The Flyers are working on a multi-year contract extension with Jamie Drysdale," Pagnotta reported. "Not sure on timing, but should come in the 6M aav neighborhood whenever it gets done."
Why It Matters
Drysdale was a restricted free agent after his three-year deal carrying a $2.3 million cap hit, signed while he was still in the Anaheim organization, expired.
That made the 24-year-old eligible for arbitration and an offer sheet, along with all the complications that come with a restricted free agent entering his prime years without a contract.
The Flyers are avoiding all of that by locking him up long-term.
The Flyers are working on a multi-year contract extension with Jamie Drysdale. Not sure on timing, but should come in the 6M aav neighborhood whenever it gets done.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 2, 2026
Philadelphia issued Drysdale a qualifying offer on June 29 alongside fellow RFAs Trevor Zegras, Nikita Grebenkin, and Hunter McDonald, and general manager Danny Briere has consistently expressed optimism the extensions would get done, with the team earmarking cap space specifically for Zegras and Drysdale.
A reported $6 million AAV would be a notable commitment.
It would push Drysdale's number near the top of the Flyers' blue line, where Travis Sanheim's $6.25 million cap hit currently sits as the highest, and comfortably above Cam York's $5.15 million.
The Player
Drysdale arrived in Philadelphia in the blockbuster trade that sent Cutter Gauthier to Anaheim, and this past season was a big wait-and-see year for the former sixth overall pick.
He came to the Flyers at potentially his lowest value but took a major step forward in 2026, showing flashes of the player who lit up the OHL with the Erie Otters.
Update on Jamie Drysdale... sounds like big progress has been made and sides are narrowing in on an extension. Will be multi-year deal for Drysdale with AAV in mid to low $6M range. #IgniteTheOrange https://t.co/7IDiyVbG4C
— Brandon J. Sommermann (@B_Sommermann) July 2, 2026
A long-term commitment gives Drysdale the runway and confidence to keep growing into the top-pairing defenseman Philadelphia believes he can become.
Drysdale was one of two premier restricted free agents for the Flyers this summer.
With his extension now appearing close to done, attention turns to Zegras, the higher-profile of the two, as Briere looks to check both pieces of significant business off the list early in the offseason.
In 78 games played this past season, Drysdale recorded eight goals, 32 points, and a -3 plus/minus rating, while averaging 21:33 time on ice.
