Flyers ink Garnet Hathaway to a two-year contract extension

Flyers' Cam York and Garnet Hathaway
Philadelphia Flyers right wing Garnet Hathaway (19) speaks withe defenseman Travis Sanheim (6) during the second period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

Following the re-signing of defenseman Erik Johnson, the Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have re-signed forward Garnet Hathaway to a two-year contract extension that carries an average annual value of $2.4 million. Hathaway’s extension will kick in during the 2025-26 season.

Flyers sign Garnet Hathaway to two-year extension

On July 1, 2023, the veteran signed a two-year, $4.75 million contract ($2.375 million AAV) with the Flyers. During the 2023-24 season, Hathaway played a pivotal role in the Flyers’ bottom six and scored 17 points (7G, 10A) in 82 games. He was a -7 and finished with an average ice time of 12:29.

Flyers' Garnet Hathaway
Philadelphia Flyers right wing Garnet Hathaway (19) scores a goal past Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Hathaway, 32, is known for his physical identity and rugged game. Last season, he led the Flyers with 326 hits and finished with the second-most hits in the NHL. Hathaway truly embraces what it means to be a Flyer and his style of play receives praise throughout the lineup and organization.

Hathaway also resembles what it means to play under a head coach like John Tortorella. He appreciates Tortorella’s honesty and he knows that the Flyers’ bench boss is here to push players to make them better in the end.

“About Torts, he’s honest and that’s the thing. The thing is he’ll tell you how he feels about your game and what you need to do with your game”, the former UDFA said on the NHL Network. “He won’t sugarcoat, but you know it’s coming from a good place and it’s gonna make the team better in the end.”

Along with his aggressive style of play, Hathaway has shown he can succeed in the defensive zone while being an active forechecker. Heading into 2024-25, expect him to continue to thrive in the Flyers’ bottom six and bring a physical game each night.

AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez