Flyers, Ersson agree to two-year contract extension

Samuel Ersson agreed with the Philadelphia Flyers to a 2yr/$2.9mil ($1.45mil/AAV) contract extension through 2025-2026, per Daniel Briere. The extension won’t go into effect until 2024-2025. He still has a season left on his three-year entry-level contract.

Last season, Ersson spent most of his time with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In 42GP at Lehigh Valley, Ersson posted a 24-17-1 regular season record, with a 2.84GAA and 90%SV. The Phantoms reached the postseason against the Charlotte Checkers, where Ersson went 1-2-0 with a 3.71GAA and 87.5%SV. It was his first professional season in North America, overcoming injuries that hampered him two years ago.

On the Flyers, Ersson made a good impression. In 12GP, Ersson went 6-3-0 with a 3.07GAA and 89.9%SV. Ersson went undefeated in his first six NHL starts, handing defeats to the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks (twice), Buffalo Sabres, and the Calgary Flames.

Filling in for Carter Hart, Ersson earned his first NHL victory on Dec. 29, 2022, against the Sharks. He made 25 saves on 28 shots on goal on the way to an overtime victory. Tony DeAngelo scored the game-winning goal.

Just over a week later, on Jan. 9, 2023, Ersson notched his first NHL shutout against the Sabres. He stopped 28 shots on goal to become the 14th rookie goaltender to record a shutout for the Flyers.

“Obviously, it feels great, first one. It’s special, but it’s the wins that matter, and that’s what you gotta take moving forward,” he said at the time. 

Stable goaltender depth

The Flyers’ goaltending depth is relatively stable and promising. Carter Hart is the starter, but this contract extension displays the organizational praise for Ersson. In addition to Hart and Ersson, other goaltending prospects, like Alexei Kolosov, are lurking in the system, developing for their opportunity.

“He’s come in every time we’ve asked him to do something. He’s played very well, so it’s really encouraging not only for the short term here, but long term also,” said Head Coach John Tortorella. 

This season, Ersson will likely participate in more games with the Flyers. At the 2023 Flyers Training Camp, he’ll contend for the 2G role against Cal Petersen and Felix Sandstrom. Ersson is still waivers exempt, meaning he could still play meaningful minutes in Lehigh Valley.

Extending Ersson speaks volumes about his spot with the Flyers in the future. In 12GP, he showed Briere and John Tortorella he has the potential skill to find a place in the team rebuild. Between the pipes, fewer questions need answers in terms of current depth.