Reputable Russian agent Shumi Babaev claims that he and the Philadelphia Flyers would soon start talking about extending defenseman Egor Zamula’s contract.
Babaev announced just after midnight on Tuesday, “Soon we’re going to conduct negotiations with Philadelphia about Egor Zamula and with Columbus about Egor Chinakhov.” “The clubs have already expressed interest in offering these players longer contracts.”
In the event that an extension is not completed by July 1st, Zamula, 24, will become a restricted free agent this summer and will no longer be immune from waivers. After 66 games, the Russian blueliner finished his debut NHL season with five goals, 16 assists, and 21 points. Before Jamie Drysdale and Cam York took over, Zamula was given the responsibility of managing the Flyers’ best power play unit, which he accomplished with differing degrees of success.
Despite playing in the third pairing, Zamula was one of the NHL’s most productive defensemen in the previous campaign. Zamula’s on-ice goal differential, when all circumstances were taken into account, was 13. This ranking was 39th in the NHL. Charlie McAvoy finished 25th at age 20, Buffalo Sabres standout Rasmus Dahlin finished 33rd at age 15, and Luke Hughes finished 29th at age 18.
In addition, Zamula’s projected on-ice goal difference was 4.3, meaning that he combined great goaltending and strong finishing performances throughout his minutes. The 6-foot-3 defenceman, who is only 24 years old, is a good chance to keep getting better, especially on his own end.
The Flyers would officially have six NHL defenseman under contract for the next campaign if and when they sign Zamula to a contract extension. At least for the time being, Zamula looks to have cemented a regular place in the Flyers starting lineup alongside Tyler Drysdale, York, Nick Seeler, Travis Sanheim, and Rasmus Ristolainen, who had triceps surgery in April.
Veteran defenseman Marc Staal will not be re-signed by the Flyers, while Erik Johnson, who was acquired at the trade deadline, may or may not want to continue playing. Louie Belpedio, Emil Andrae, and Adam Ginning—who is also a pending RFA—are more rotational alternatives.
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