Earlier this morning (or evening, depending where you are in the world), a Czech Republic sports website, iSport.cz, reported that Jakub Voracek is close to signing a 4yr/$17M ($4.25mm AAV) contract extension with the Philadelphia Flyers --
Google Translated
26th July 2012
WE KNOW FIRST | Priority in long negotiations getting more famous names from the free-market players. But now, the future James Voráček with Philadelphia again tightly linked. According to iSport.cz at night on Thursday caught up negotiations on a new agreement under which the Czech world champion for the next four years earning a total of $ 17 million, around 360 million.
This contract gives him confidence. The first big career contract, confirming that the Flyers with fixed count in elite formations and sees him in the future. Jakub Voracek, after last season, his first in Philadelphia, became a free agent with the limitation, it means that it still had a right to his preferred club.
And moments ago, it's been confirmed --
Yesterday Paul Holmgren mentioned to the press that his focus turned from the Weber drama....to re-signing the 22yr old restricted free agent right-winger. Though the salary details have not been disclosed, a $4.25mm is a huge jump from his former $2.25mm average annual value.
Yes, that cap hit may be a bit more pricey than anticipated, but it's made up for with the number of years he's locked down in Philly. But frankly, I feel more comfortable handing Voracek this kind of cash than I ever did with van Riemsdyk.
Jake's going to be a force in this League in the near future. Hopefully this summer has been a springboard for his talent's progression. One criticism of Voracek's game is that he lacks the dominating finish for being a power-forward. But if he manages to shoot more often with greater accuracy (a minor adjustment for him, in my opinion) then that will do worlds better for him and the Flyers.
Voracek's another left-stick on the right side, just like the recently departed Jaromir Jagr. And similar to Jagr, Jake has an unbelievable ability to carry the puck into the offensive zone with authority, rather than depending on his forecheck after dumping and chasing the vulcanized rubber.
With this sort of pay raise, there's no question the Flyers have the intention on sticking Voracek with Giroux in that vanguard combination. And to tell ya the truth, the thought of a Hartnell/Giroux/Voracek line gives me goosebumps.
DROP THAT PUCK!!!
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