Flyers May Be Nearing a Decision on Egor Zamula
The Philadelphia Flyers are approaching a critical juncture with defenseman Egor Zamula, with potential resolutions ranging from a trade to a mutual contract termination. The 25-year-old Russian defenseman's future with the team has become uncertain following a demotion to the American Hockey League (AHL) after a lackluster start to the season.
Zamula's demotion to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms was preceded by registering only one assist in 13 games, along with play that the Flyers deemed uninspiring. While he cleared waivers and joined the Phantoms, where he recorded an assist in one game, the situation appears to have reached a point where a resolution is needed for both the player and the organization.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, a mutual contract termination is a potential outcome. Friedman highlighted that Zamula's agent, Daniel Milstein, also facilitated Alexandre Texier's contract termination with the St. Louis Blues, which allowed Texier to sign with the Montreal Canadiens. A similar path could be explored for Zamula, allowing him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
However, the Flyers' preference is reportedly to trade Zamula. The primary obstacle to a trade is Zamula's $1.7 million cap hit for this season and the next. To facilitate a trade, the Flyers might need to retain a portion of Zamula's salary. If a trade cannot be arranged, a contract termination might be the only viable option to resolve the situation.
Zamula originally signed an entry-level contract with the Flyers in 2018 and re-signed a one-year deal on May 2, 2023. On July 7, 2024, he signed a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.7 million. In parts of three seasons with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Zamula has recorded 54 points (5 goals, 49 assists) in 127 career games. Before turning professional, he played in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with Calgary and Regina, amassing 102 points (19 goals, 83 assists).
Zamula will be a restricted free agent (RFA) this summer. The Flyers could opt not to extend a qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent (UFA). However, allowing the situation to linger and Zamula to play out the season in the AHL might not be in the best interest of the player or the team.
The Flyers are expected to seek a resolution that benefits both the organization and Zamula. Terminating his contract would provide him with a fresh start. Teams seeking defensive depth might view Zamula as a worthwhile acquisition.
The coming days and weeks will likely determine the final outcome of Zamula's situation with the Flyers. The team's management is currently evaluating all available options to reach a decision that aligns with their long-term plans while also considering the player's well-being and future prospects.
