Jason Akeson will be back in the organization next season. The 23 year old, who’s made it tradition to play in only the final regular season game each year, signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Flyers on Wednesday.
Akeson played very well in seven games with the Flyers during the 2014 playoffs against the Rangers. He took an ill-advised penalty that cost the team in Game 1 of that series, but that was the only blemish on an otherwise impressive postseason. He scored two goals and added three assists in the series and generally drove play in the proper direction while he was on the ice, as evidenced by scoring chance and shot differential while he was playing. He was just one of three Flyers forwards to do that in the series.
Akeson’ was a restricted free agent, and his qualifying offer was for $715,000. The deal he ultimately signed with the team could be more than that. His cap hit on his entry-level contract, which expired this past season, was that same $715k.
He’s been the leading scorer on the Phantoms the last three seasons, and has proven himself (in a limited sample, of course) to be a versatile player at the NHL level. Here’s to hoping he gets a fair chance in training camp, or at worst becomes the team’s first call up option this season.
