An update on Flyers restricted free agents Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny

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Updated: 6:55 p.m.

Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher has two restricted free agents to re-sign.

Arguably the biggest of the two, Ivan Provorov, could take some time for both parties to settle on a new contract, a scenario that seemed inevitable with the way the NHL offseason is unfolding, specifically restricted free agency.

Provorov is a 22-year-old foundational piece for the Flyers' blue line. The 2015 seventh overall draft pick looks poised for a long-term deal and significant raise, despite not looking totally like himself in 2018-19 following a breakout 2017-18 season.

Why could re-signing him take a while?

Because the RFA market can turn into a stalemate as others want to wait and see which contracts are signed to use them as leverage or a framework in negotiations.

Some notable restricted free-agent defensemen still need new deals: Jacob Trouba, Zach Werenski, Charlie McAvoy and Neal Pionk.

Fletcher said negotiations with Provorov's camp have been "amicable."

"I spoke with Mark Gandler (Provorov's agent) just a few days ago, everything is cordial and amicable," Fletcher said Friday via a conference call. "But I think until the market settles out a bit, it may be difficult to move forward on Provorov."

Provorov, who had a cap hit of $894,167 in 2018-19 with an AAV of $1,744,167 on his previous deal, didn't sound worried about his new contract after the season.

"I love everything here," he said in April. "Love the guys and love the organization and everything about Philadelphia. It's not going to be a problem."

Forward Travis Konecny is the other remaining RFA after Scott Laughton agreed to terms Friday night on a new deal (see story).

Could the 22-year-old Konecny be in line for a bridge deal? Possibly.

"Konecny, we've had some good conversations and we'll continue to work at it," Fletcher said.

"I expect as the summer goes on, we'll continue to chip away at this, the market will continue to flesh out as we go and we'll get there; we'll get there by the end."

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