The 31-year-old forward has been with the Flyers since signing a professional tryout contract July 17 and will be in the lineup against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday (9 p.m. ET; ESPN+, SN360, NBCSP, NHL.TV).
"I mean, it's kind of awkward living in doubt and not knowing your future," Stewart said. "But like I've said since Day One since I got here, I've felt like I was embraced by this team and part of this team. Now that I have a contract, it feels official. It's a good feeling.
"You start thinking about all these different scenarios, and it'd drive you crazy. I was just worried about what I could control every day, and that was coming to work with the right attitude and working as hard as I can. I got blessed by the hockey gods."
Stewart is expected to play right wing on Philadelphia's fourth line with left wing Tyler Pitlick and center Michael Raffl.
"We're happy to have Chris under contract," Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said. "Chris came into training camp with a great attitude and a strong work ethic. He brings size (6-foot-2, 242 pounds) and a veteran presence to our lineup."
Stewart last played in the NHL with the Flames in 2017-18. He had 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 23 games with Nottingham of the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom last season.
"You don't know what you have until it's gone," he said. "Isn't that the saying? This last year and a bit, it's been tough on me. It's gratifying and I'm going to appreciate every second of it.
"The hardest job in the NHL is not playing. We work pretty hard. They put us through the gears to stay ready for your opportunity. When you get the chance to get in you've got to be ready. I'll be ready to go tonight."
Selected by the Colorado Avalanche with the No. 18 pick of the 2006 NHL Draft, Stewart has 321 points (160 goals, 161 assists) in 652 NHL games with the Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks and Flames.
