Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere’s signing of Christian Dvorak to a one-year contract on July 1 has so far proven to be an incredibly shrewd move. The 29-year-old center has given the Flyers some much-needed strength down the middle, and is on pace for the best offensive season of his career with 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 36 games headed into Tuesday’s meeting with the Vancouver Canucks.

A contract extension could be coming. We mentioned that possibility back on Dec. 12, and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported that the two sides have started chatting about it, too. Dvorak is eligible to sign an extension as soon as Jan. 1, 2026.

Let’s examine this from a few different angles, Q and A style.

What has Dvorak done since joining the Flyers?

Beyond the production, Dvorak has simply become an integral part of the team. He’s been the Flyers’ top-line center for the past month, skating between their two best scoring wingers, Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny. On the penalty kill, the only forward who averages more ice time per game is Sean Couturier. He’s winning 54.4 percent of his faceoffs. In the dressing room, he’s a quiet, respected veteran who simply goes about his business.

It’s important to remember that Dvorak was also quite effective in the second half of last season in Montreal, after recovering from multiple significant injuries, including a torn ACL and torn pectoral muscle. Even after he signed with the Flyers, Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said, “I think what we saw of him in the second half is really what he is. He just finally got back into a rhythm, back into real hockey shape.”

Dvorak has carried that over, and then some, into this season.

Why would the Flyers want to re-sign Dvorak?

As everyone knows by now, the biggest names at center that were set to be free agents have already re-signed with their teams. The center market is already looking like it will be pretty thin on July 1, just like it was last summer, when it forced the Flyers into what we figured was an overpay for Dvorak. Neither Connor McDavid nor Jack Eichel will be signing with the Flyers this summer.

There are also no assurances that the Flyers will have anyone in their system ready to make the leap to the NHL next season. While there could be some hope that Jett Luchanko might slot in, that’s certainly no sure thing. It has to be a tad concerning to Flyers management that at the World Juniors right now, Luchanko is currently skating as a fourth-line winger for Team Canada, while other centers such as Michael Hage and Cole Beaudoin are further up in the lineup. Starting next season with the Phantoms could be the best option for Luchanko, who will finally be able to turn pro.