When it came time for free-agent center Christian Dvorak to pick a new team on July 1, other teams might have been making contract offers with more years or more money than the Flyers.
But there was one big factor that might have trumped those aforementioned bids and had Dvorak choosing Philadelphia.
The prospect of being reunited with his former coach, Rick Tocchet, was definitely an enticing one.
Dvorak enjoyed two of his best seasons, 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, while the two were together with the Arizona Coyotes. The Illinois native posted 18 goals in the first campaign and 17 in the second.
So it didn’t come as any great surprise when Dvorak, now 29 years old, ended up with the Flyers on a one-year, $5.4-million contract.
Besides, the Flyers went into the offseason rather thin at center, so Dvorak is definitely a step up in talent over some of the Flyers’ middle men.
“Yeah, that (playing for Tocchet) certainly helps,” Dvorak said in a media Zoom call on Thursday. “The way he coaches, he helped me out a lot in Arizona. Just a young guy with young teammates – he was really good with us.
“It helps a lot, the way he coaches. Talking to him, I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for me. I’m real excited for it.”
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Dvorak was a second-round (48th overall) pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Coyotes.
He’s played in 534 NHL games with 105 goals/249 points. He also has four goals in 14 Stanley Cup playoff games.
Dvorak said he’s already had some discussions with Tocchet as to what his role will be.
“It wasn’t too specific as to what linemates I’m going to have,” he said. “It’s a big opportunity because they might be a little thin down the middle. It felt like a great fit for me. I’m a 200-foot player, play in all situations, win faceoffs. I think that’s a big thing, too. I think that’s kind of the role I find exciting.”
Other teams showed interest but ultimately Dvorak liked the fit in Philadelphia.
“There were options out there,” he said. “It was a pretty stressful day, first time I’m a free agent. You never really know what it’s going to be like. Things kind of happen fast. Ended up choosing Philly, they showed a lot of interest in me.”
Dvorak said he would like to improve on his offensive numbers from last season with Montreal when he registered just 12 goals/33 points in 82 games with a minus-5.
To his credit, he did finish strong at the end of the season and added a pair of goals in five playoff games.
He’s had to overcome several injuries in his career, including a torn pectoral muscle which ended his 2023-24 season and a knee injury which cut short his 2022-23 season. He also had other upper- and lower-body injuries in 2023.
“Missing a lot of time, it’s hard to get in a groove and have full confidence,” Dvorak admitted. “Coming back from major surgeries, too. Last year I felt really good health-wise. Felt really good about my game. It was a big step for me (not missing any games).”
As for his relationship with Tocchet, there are a number of things which make it successful. There’s good communication and the styles seem to match.
“He’s big on communication, which is huge,” Dvorak agreed. “He always has an open-door policy. Talks to everyone on the team and (wants to know) what they’re thinking. Everyone knows where they need to be out there. Offensively, there’s some freedom, also. I think that’s why I had some successful years under him.”
Dvorak said he looks forward to playing in front of some enthusiasic Flyers fans.
“I was very comfortable going to Philly,” he said. “I’ve always loved playing there. Passionate fan base. Heard a lot of great things from players who have played there before. Fans are hungry to take the next step.”
The Canadiens finished in the top 10 in penalty killing last season. The Flyers were at No. 20. Is there help on the way?
“I take a lot of pride in being good on the PK,” Dvorak said. “It might help win games. So I’m looking forward to it. You always want to try to be top 10 in both categories (including power play). Doing the little things on the PK – winning faceoffs, blocking shots. I’m always willing to do that. I’m excited to help out.”
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