Flyers sign Travis Konecny to an 8-year contract extension: ‘I wanted to be a Flyer for life’

In Season 3, Ted Lasso stands in front of AFC Richmond as the “Believe” sign starts to fall off the wall. As the team flips out, he notes that belief isn’t just a sign on a wall. It’s about believing that things can get better, and that “To believe in yourself, to believe in one another, man, that’s fundamental to being alive.”

Belief is why Travis Konecny signed an eight-year extension on Thursday with the Flyers. Belief in himself and belief in the Flyers.

“I just wanted to get this over with and make sure that there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be a Flyer for life and what we had been working toward and what I believed that this team can be, this is where I wanted to be,” he said on a Zoom call. “So, yeah, it was pretty easy for me to make the decision that I was going to stay here as long as possible.”

» READ MORE: Matvei Michkov has plans to bring the Flyers back to prominence as he realizes his NHL dream

Konecny’s extension begins in 2025-26 with an average annual value of $8.75 million. A source has confirmed to The Inquirer that there is a no-move clause for the first six years, before a limited no-trade clause kicks in for the final two. The forward has one year left on a six-year deal signed in 2019 with an AAV of $5.5 million.

“Travis Konecny is an integral part of the fabric of our team, and we are thrilled to have him under contract for the long-term,” Flyers general manager Danny Brière said in the team’s press release. “Travis has grown into a significant leader on our team, and he truly embodies what it means to be a Flyer. His work ethic, combined with his tenacity and talent, makes him a central figure for what we are building toward, and his determination for our future success speaks volumes about his commitment to our team and city.”

The pay raise is well-earned by Konecny, who is coming off a career year where he notched highs in goals (33) and points (68) in 76 regular-season games. Named to his second All-Star Game, Konecny was a key figure on the Flyers’ potent penalty kill and led the NHL in shorthanded goals with six. He was named the recipient of the Bobby Clarke Trophy, awarded to the team’s most valuable player at the end of the season.

“I think it’s, like most people’s careers, like there was definitely some years where you’re not doing exactly what you know you’re capable of doing, and then there’s some up years. … But it’s definitely a relief, knowing that I’m capable of doing that,” Konecny said about getting back on track after recording his second straight 30-plus-goal season.

“For me, truthfully, it gives me more work ethic in the summer and in camp to want to prove myself and show that I’m going to be a big part of the team and the direction it’s going.”

Drafted 24th overall by the Flyers in 2015, the 27-year-old has seen his game grow year-over-year, evidenced by his 400 points (174 goals, 226 assists) in 564 regular-season games. He has blossomed into one of the NHL’s top consistent goal-scorers while also having the keen ability to get under his opponent’s skin. He drew the second-most penalties against last season for the Flyers (25).

» READ MORE: Matvei Michkov’s future teammates say his talent is ‘definitely not falsely advertised’

In addition to scoring goals and drawing penalties, he has become a complete player. According to Natural Stat Trick, he had a Corsi For percentage of 55.60, second on the Flyers among skaters who played in at least 15 games. No. 1 was 2020 Selke Trophy winner Sean Couturier.

Konecny’s puck possession and ability to play a 200-foot game is why Flyers coach John Tortorella deployed him in all situations last season. Described as “instinctive” by the bench boss, Konecny led all forwards in average ice time last season (19 minutes, 50 seconds).

“He drives me crazy in some of the things he does,” Tortorella said in January. “But the things that drive me crazy about him, in how reactive he is and how dumb he can be, also make him a great player. He is a great player. I love coaching him because you never know what you’re going to get from him as far as what happens on the ice. But I know the great engine he has … and what he does for his hockey team is invaluable in all situations.”

Named an alternate captain in February, Konecny is part of the leadership group that will welcome 19-year-old Matvei Michkov to the fold. Konecny entered the league at the same age in 2016 and had 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) in 70 games his rookie season. He has not spoken to the young Russian star yet, but has watched a few videos and has been impressed with what he has seen from the fellow right winger.

And like Michkov on Wednesday, Konecny echoed the sentiment a day later that the Flyers are moving in the direction of not just being a playoff team, but a consistent visitor to the postseason — even without wholesale changes to the roster this offseason.

“I do believe our team’s right there,” Konecny said. “We’re going to work just as hard as we did last year. We’re going to skate and continue to work on some of the young guys getting a little bit better and some of the older guys adding stuff to the game as well. I’m really excited to see where this team can go.”

One of those guys he’ll get to do it with is his good buddy Travis Sanheim, who broke the news of Konecny’s extension on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Flyers defenseman-turned-insider posted right before the Flyers made it official: “Sources say Flyers forward Travis Konecny isn’t going anywhere, as the 27-year-old is closing in on an extension to stay in Philly.” He said his source was, of course, the other half of The Travii.

“That was awesome,” Konecny said, adding that credit also goes to the Flyers’ social media team. “He had been teasing me that he was going to do something along those lines the entire time. He’s always the guy breaking trades to people on the team, and new contracts in the league, so it fit well that he was the one that did it for me.”

The duo is just one example of how close-knit the room is, which was key to Konecny’s return. There also is a strong connection, and a level of comfort, with the retooled front office of Brière, team president Keith Jones, and governor Dan Hilferty. Konecny’s success last season and the team just missing out on the postseason drive him forward as sights are set on the 2024-25 season — with a promising phenom now here.

» READ MORE: Throwback Flyer Garnet Hathaway on why he extended his deal: ‘I want to be in Philly’

As he said, it was a “no-brainer” to extend his tenure with the Flyers. And it’s because he has that belief.

“To me, there was no other option,” Konecny said. “If I get the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup — which I believe we can do in Philly — it just wouldn’t feel like an accomplishment unless it was with the Flyers and the team that believes in me. And I wanted to show the same respect when I had an opportunity to venture out and do my own thing.

“I believe in the Flyers as well. So, I’ve always been in it for the long haul, and I’m really, really excited for the next chapter here and see what we can do.”