Flyers' Giroux glad linemate Voracek got big contract

Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux is glad to know he could play on the same line with Jakub Voracek for at least the next seven seasons.

Voracek signed a multiyear contract extension with the Flyers on July 30. TSN reported it is for eight years, $66 million.

"I'm really happy for him, and it's really good for our team," said Giroux, who is entering the second season of his eight-year, $66.2 million contract. "I think we have some room for improvement to get even better chemistry, but I think we've been doing a good job of finding each other and communicating on and off the ice to know how we want to play.

"Jake just cares so much that every time he comes to the rink he wants to win, and he's really fun to be around."

Voracek, 25, is entering the final year of the contract he signed with the Flyers in July 2012. The extension would keep him in Philadelphia through the 2022-23 season.

"Obviously, when guys aren't looking for contracts, there are no distractions, the guys just go and play," Giroux told the Flyers website last week. "We're happy with everyone on our team and how we're building. We're still a young team and we have so much to learn …"

Giroux, 27, and Voracek have been linemates since 2012-13. They have combined for 302 points the past two seasons.

New Flyers coach Dave Hakstol made a point to get to know his top two players before training camp begins next month. After Voracek signed his extension, he said Hakstol flew to the Czech Republic to have dinner with him.

"He flew up to Ottawa to meet with me," Giroux said. "It went well. I didn't know what to expect but we had great conversations. I met him for a few hours. He's pretty busy this summer and has a lot of things to take care of, so I think when we all come back in early September, we'll have a lot of time to communicate. He's really excited, and anytime there's something new I think everybody starts getting excited."