Flyers extend young star Van Riemsdyk: Fan reaction

The Philadelphia Flyers spent a lot of time overhauling their roster in the offseason. The Flyers parted ways with several key players while signing several from other teams. After a calm period for the team, the Flyers made headlines once again. The team reached a deal with James Van Riemsdyk(notes) that will pay him $25.5 million over the next six seasons. As a fan of the Flyers, I'm excited about this new deal. JVR is a vital piece of the puzzle for the Flyers. Locking him up was one important step toward the team continuing to drive for the Stanley Cup.

JVR came alive in the 2011 playoffs. Some Flyers fans might wonder if giving him a long term deal based off of a few games is a smart move. But those fans should take a look at the way JVR has grown over the past season. He is a budding star and should rank among the best players in the NHL fairly soon. By signing him now, the Flyers probably saved a fortune. They are getting a player that is already at the level of Mike Richards(notes) and Jeff Carter(notes) for a much smaller price. I am pleased that the Flyers committed to the young star.

The signing of JVR does raise some questions. At 22, he is clearly an important part of the future. But so is Claude Giroux(notes). With his new contact, JVR will make more in terms of annual salary than Giroux for the upcoming season. I'm not sure if that is really fair. But on the other hand, this is how sports work. Giroux will soon have his day at the contract negotiation table. At that point, he will be rewarded like the All-Star that he is.

When the Flyers made all of their changes, many looked at this as a rebuilding year. After all, they jettisoned two of their best offensive players in recent memory. But this is anything but a rebuilding year. The Flyers are ready to win now and ready to win for a long time. The commitment to JVR is evidence of that. If anyone is a critic of the deal now, they are going to be eating their words in a year or two. This was another smart move by a franchise that is closing in on a championship.