Flyers sign defenseman Travis Sanheim to eight-year, $50M extension

“We’re extremely happy to have Travis under long-term contract and see him as a key piece of our team’s future,” said Philadelphia Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher. “Travis has improved each season to become a highly reliable player and key contributor on our blueline. Furthermore, he is someone who has developed his entire career with us and has grown into a valuable leader for our team.”

This signing came just hours before the Flyers play their home – and season – opener against the New Jersey Devils, which Philadelphia won 5-2. Sanheim was in the final year of a two-year bridge deal with a $4.675 million contract and was going to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The closest comparables for his new contract are the Nashville Predators’ Mattias Ekholm, Pittsburgh Penguins’ Jeff Petry, Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey and his Flyers teammate Ryan Ellis.

“Obviously, I’m really excited. It’s a huge day not only for me, but for my family and friends as well,” said Sanheim. “To be drafted not only by Philly, but in Philly, and now to sign a long-term deal here, it means a lot. I love this city, love the fan base and I’m excited to turn this around and get things going. There’s no better place to win than Philly.”

Despite the Flyers season being nothing short of a disaster, Sanheim was rock solid at both ends of the ice in 2021-22. Along with seven goals, 24 assists and 31 points in 80 games, he had a 46.51% shot attempt share and 48.02% expected goal share at even strength, which were +1.28% and +3.81% relative to the rest of the team, respectively, all while spending a large portion of his season alongside Rasmus Ristolainen.