Flyers sign Scott Hartnell, Wayne Simmonds to extensions

Written by: Matthew Blunk

Amidst the uncertainty of this NHL offseason, with murmurs of a potential lockout to come, the Philadelphia Flyers have signed two more players to long-term deals.

Philadelphia signed forward Wayne Simmonds to a 6-year, near $24 million extension on Aug. 16. On Monday, the Flyers agreed to extend forward Scott Hartnell with a 6-year, $28.5 million deal. Both Simmonds and Hartnell had career-best seasons in 2011-12 with the team, posting 49 and 67 points, respectively.

Simmonds is only 23 years old and has plenty of potential to get better. Hartnell became one of the most important players on the Flyers last season, with a great motor and hard-nosed, agitating style. And he does an uncanny Hulk Hogan impression.

Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has taken this sort of approach this summer - he doesn't seem overly concerned with the ramifications of a potential lockout or new collective bargaining agreement. Philadelphia is moving forward, business as usual. They aggressively pursued (and missed out on) former New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise in free agency, then moved on to signing Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber to a whopping 14-year, $110 million offer sheet in restricted free agency.

The Flyers also extended winger Jakub Voracek earlier this summer. Voracek got a 4-year, $17 million extension, after his 49-point 2011-12 season. Head coach Peter Laviolette also received a two-year contract extension soon after Voracek.

Needless to say, the Flyers are ready to play hockey in 2012-13, and look prepared to be contenders for the Stanley Cup once again.

Edmonton Oilers lock up Jordan Eberle with 6-year deal

Written by: Matthew Blunk

The Philadelphia Flyers aren't the only NHL team keeping busy this summer.

One week after locking up left wing Taylor Hall with a seven-year contract, the Edmonton Oilers signed forward Jordan Eberle to a six-year, $36 million extension. The newly "man-strong" Eberle posted 34 goals and 76 points in 78 during the 2011-12 season, in a breakout campaign for the 22-year-old right wing.