Philadelphia Flyers and defenseman Jamie Drysdale reached a four-year, 26 million dollar agreement just days before scheduled arbitration. The 24-year-old had applied for arbitration earlier in July to resolve contract talks. The deal gives him an annual salary of 6.5 million dollars.
The signing came three days before the arbitration hearing was set to begin. Drysdale, a restricted free agent, had previously been on a three-year deal worth 2.3 million dollars per season.
Drysdale recorded eight goals and 24 assists in 78 regular-season games last year. He added four points during the team's run to the conference semifinals.
General manager Daniel Briere praised the player's development. "Since we acquired him, Jamie has worked extremely hard, taken big steps in his development, and established himself as a reliable piece," Briere said.
This marks the second recent contract for the Flyers, following a deal with Trevor Zegras. The team missed out on Leo Carlsson after Anaheim Ducks matched an offer sheet.
