Jakub Voracek’s new contract will keep him in Philadelphia until 2024. Well, theoretically.
According to Frank Seravalli at TSN, the eight-year deal does not come with the no-trade or no-movement clause … something that was a staple of big Flyers contracts under former general manager Paul Holmgren.
In all reality, that’s a good thing. We know how NTC’s can bog down trade options, and even with a star winger like Voracek who probably won’t be moved during this contract, you always want to keep your options open. It’s just good business.
Also via TSN, here’s the breakdown of Voracek’s deal.
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus |
| 2016-17 | $10,000,000 | $4,500,000 |
| 2017-18 | $10,000,000 | $4,000,000 |
| 2018-19 | $9,250,000 | $2,000,000 |
| 2019-20 | $9,250,000 | $2,000,000 |
| NHL and NHLPA can opt out of current CBA | ||
| 2020-21 | $6,250,000 | $4,000,000 |
| 2021-22 | $7,500,000 | |
| current CBA expires | ||
| 2022-23 | $6,250,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 2023-24 | $7,000,000 | |
Many NHL players are building “lockout protection” into their long-term deals. With the potential of a lockout in 2020 or 2022, you’ll notice that these signing bonuses provide some security.
For example: On July 1, 2020, Voracek will be paid $4 million of the $6.25 million he’s due during the 2020-21 league year. If there’s a lockout, it’ll start in September … and there’s a chance that in a shortened or, God-forbid, canceled season, Jake won’t get a portion of the other $2.2 million he’s owed. But with $4 million paid up front, he’s secure.
Same applies in 2022-23, where an even larger chunk of that $6.25 million is paid up front. It’s a shrewd move by Voracek and his agent, even if it’s horrifying to think about the chance of another lockout.
