Flyers sign defenseman Jamie Drysdale to four-year, $26 million contract

The Philadelphia Flyers agreed to terms with defenseman Jamie Drysdale on a four-year contract worth $26 million. The deal carries a $6.5 million annual salary-cap hit through the 2029-30 NHL season. Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said the team is excited to keep Drysdale as a key part of the organization.

"Since we acquired him, Jamie has worked extremely hard and taken big steps in his development, and has established himself as a reliable piece on our back end with the ability to impact the game in all situations," Briere said in a statement.

The 24-year-old Drysdale posted career highs of eight goals and 32 points in his second full season with Philadelphia. He averaged more than 21 minutes of ice time across 78 regular-season games and helped the team reach the playoffs. Drysdale scored in his first postseason game and finished with two goals and two assists in 10 playoff contests.

He has recorded 25 goals and 77 assists in parts of six NHL seasons. "We're excited to have Jamie remain a key part of our organization for years to come," Briere said in a statement on Friday.