Flyers’ New Star Could Be Staying Longer Than Anyone Expected

Trevor Zegras might not be your classic “Philly athlete,” but that’s exactly why he fits. He’s not pretending to be a grinder or a blue-collar bruiser. He’s a modern player — skilled, flashy, and unafraid to play his game. And according to Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts, both sides seem thrilled with how things are going.

“He’s happy, they’re happy — I think they’re talking about an extension already,” Friedman said.

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Jeff Marek said he sees Zegras as being in a different headspace in Philadelphia and that with one trade, he’s become a more mature player. Kevin Kurz of The Athletic says that he asked about an extension, and Zegras said he hasn’t thought about it. No one seemed to believe that to be true.

Zegras is still a pest, but he has fit right into the Flyers’ locker room and the Flyers have a history of being annoying. He is building instant chemistry with old friends and new teammates. Kurz added that Zegras loves coming to the rink every day, feeding off the energy in the building.

Part of that comfort comes from familiarity — he’s close with Cam York, who scored a recent big goal that Zegras said meant more because it came from his best friend. He also has ties to Jamie Drysdale from Anaheim and knows Christian Dvorak through Cole Caufield. That network has helped him feel at ease in what can be a tough market to win over.

Zegras represents something new for Philadelphia — the evolution of a franchise that’s embracing skill, speed, and personality after years of being known for muscle and grit. It’s a shift that fans are warming up to quickly, especially if he keeps producing. Daniel Briere has given Zegras high praise. He looks good and he’s actually taking on a leadership role, pulling some of the other players along offensively. He’s doing everything that has been expected, and beyond.

If an extension truly is already on the table, it’s a sign the Flyers see Zegras as more than a short-term spark. They see him as part of their identity — the skilled, creative centerpiece of a new era in Philadelphia hockey.

Zegras is in the final season of a deal that pays him $5.75 million. If he continues to score at his current pace, he’ll be due for a sizeable raise.

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