According to Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer Jordan Weal and the Flyers have agreed on the term of his next contract, but are still working out the salary structure. This comes as a positive move from last week, when the two sides hadn’t spoken in several days and GM Ron Hextall said he had “no idea” if they were close to a deal.
Though Weal is just 25, he’s set to become a Group VI free agent this summer due to the fact that he’s played less than 80 career NHL games. Since being drafted in 2010, Weal has only suited up for 37 career games but showed off his potential this season with 12 points in 23 contests. Weal put up another dominating season in the AHL when he wasn’t with the Flyers, scoring 47 points in 43 games. The two-time 100+ point scorer in junior was selected in the third round by the Los Angeles Kings, only to be dealt to the Flyers as part of the package to acquire Luke Schenn and Vincent Lecavalier.
Weal clearly has talent, but likely doesn’t want to sign long-term and sell off free agent years for what is expected to be a relatively low salary. That said, it’s clear why the two found an easier match in terms of years, as Philadelphia would hardly want to commit long-term to such an unknown. The salary is interesting though, as Weal would certainly have suitors around the league, including the Vegas Golden Knights should he get to free agency. After playing only on two-way deals so far in his career, his camp is likely demanding the deal be one-way with at least some indication that he’ll be given a chance on the NHL roster this season.