Morgan Frost Contract Requires A Closer Look
The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Morgan Frost to a two-year contract worth $4.2 million ($2.1 million in AAV). Elliotte Friedman first reported the deal. On the surface, Frost joins a…

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Morgan Frost to a two-year contract worth $4.2 million ($2.1 million in AAV). Elliotte Friedman first reported the deal.
On the surface, Frost joins a group of young players who broke out with strong seasons in 2022-23. Cam York, Noah Cates, and Owen Tippett will also play the 2023-24 season on short-term contracts with comparable salaries. They will all have the opportunity to flourish for a rebuilding team without too many established star players blocking positions at the top of the lineup.
Should the Flyers really trust Frost as a key building block for the future though? There’s much more to it.
New Contract for Morgan Frost
The former 27th-overall pick struggled to gain footing as a full-time player after his NHL debut early in the 2019-20 season. Slow development and injury problems led many people to doubt whether Frost could ever show the offensive form that made him a star prospect in the Ontario Hockey League, one of the best junior leagues in the world.
His overall offensive production in 2022-23 was suitable. Scoring 46 points (19 goals and 27 assists) in 81 games is nothing to write off, but it was his production late in the season that truly turned some heads in Philadelphia.
Is it fair to count on Frost as the player the Flyers saw in the second half of the season?
Looking Closely at the Stats
The organization cannot ignore his tendency to compile stats against bad teams. Goals count against weaker opponents, and players are more likely to score against teams with poor defense and goaltending.
However, Charlie O’Connor split Frost’s scoring numbers in a way that exposed a disproportionate amount of scoring against teams who finished 21-32 in the final NHL standings. The scrutiny included an evaluation of Frost's lack of impact on the power play.
As a puck carrier, his offensive zone entries also became predictable, which could lead to issues once opponents become more familiar with his game as he spends more time in the league.
Frost’s key play-driving metrics of Corsi share (CF%) and expected goal share (xGF%) fell short of the 50% median last season. He did finish with better defensive metrics than teammates Tippett, Joel Farabee, and Scott Laughton. He also had the advantage of a higher percentage of offensive zone shift starts, an indication that head coach John Tortorella didn’t rely on his defensive game as heavily.
Flyers Indicate Skepticism
Danny Briere locked up restricted free agents York and Cates to two-year deals in July. Although Frost got similar money, closer scrutiny indicates a different level of confidence.
“We were open to different scenarios. We approached the longer term,” Briere said on The John Kincade Show about negotiations with Cates and York. The rookie GM acknowledged an interest in both players as major building blocks of the rebuild.
Cates and York will likely sign long-term deals after their recent two-year bridge deals expire in 2025. Tippett has the opportunity to earn a lucrative long-term deal if he performs well in 2023-24 heading into free agency.
The organization has consistently lauded the growth of the three respective players in 2022-23. Tortorella spoke with a different attitude about Frost on March 24.
“I want to be fair with him. I don’t want to overthink it either… He drove me crazy early in the year (with) some of his habits, and he’s corrected those. I just want more time. A lot of players that I’m really interested in being here are inconsistent also. That’s what I’ve got to watch myself at.” -John Tortorella
The statement provided an easy chance to read between the lines into Tortorella's skepticism. Frost responded with an excellent stretch to finish the season. His confidence grew overtly every time he found the scoresheet.
However, Bill Meltzer spoke in August about the holdup in Frost’s contract negotiations this summer. He pointed to the likelihood of a disconnect. The organization could've pointed to Frost’s performance on the season as a whole while the player likely wanted the acknowledgment of his individual late-season success.
Close scrutiny of the organization’s actions provides indicators that key decision-makers like Briere and Tortorella don’t look at Frost in the same vein as other impactful young players on the roster.
If that’s the case, why did they bring Morgan Frost back on a two-year contract? The Flyers have the opportunity to give players the freedom to prove themselves in a time period of low expectations. Frost earned that opportunity with a 46-point season, and his offensive skill is worth further evaluation. The scrutiny doesn't discount his entire offensive performance.
If he scores at the same rate he did late in the 2022-23 season, he’ll lock up a long-term future with the Flyers. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking he’s on the same track as more important young players as a key centerpiece of the rebuild.
Watch The John Kincade Show live on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page on weekday mornings from 6am-10am.
97.5 The Fanatic threw the best party the station has ever seen. Fan Fest 2023, the 10th annual celebration, took place at Xfinity Live on Saturday, August 26.
Fanatic hosts, staff, and listeners enjoyed one of the best traditions the station has. Celebrity guests included Nick Foles, Brian Dawkins, Darren Sproles, Scott Hartnell, Keith Jones, Lou Williams, and Paul Reed.
Fall Out Boy and Rae Sremmurd rocked the FanDuel stage to cap off the festivities on Saturday afternoon.
Fan Fest 2023
A beautiful day at the sports complex in South Philadelphia started with a barrage of guests lining up outside the gates to enter the event.
Fanatic listeners showed up in an exciting display of Philadelphia sports fandom. An estimated 10,000 people joined in the festivities.
The loud chants of E-A-G-L-E-S swept through the parking lots the entire day. The crowds quickly flooded Xfinity Live on a memorable afternoon (with no fights for the 10th consecutive time)!
The Fanatic Stage
John Kincade got the festivities going by introducing the Fanatic personalities on the stage outside Xfinity Live. Anthony Gargano stepped up to fire up a crowd hungry to see the Philadelphia Flyers back in the conversation in the local sports landscape.
Bob Cooney, Tyrone Johnson, and Matt Cord ignited the crowd during conversations with Lou Williams and Paul Reed. FanDuel’s Lisa Kerney spoke with Foles, Dawkins, and Sproles.
The special guests captured the love affair with the 76ers, the longing for competitive playoff hockey, and the outrageous passion for the Eagles that characterizes the city of Philadelphia.
The heroes of the Philadelphia fan base talked about their experience in the city, their relationship with the fans, and the outlook of the local teams in 2023. 97.5 The Fanatic is proud to have thrown such an incredible party to show appreciation for the listeners that help the station run every day.
Enjoy the best photos from Fan Fest 2023:
Fan Fest 2023

97.5 The Fanatic was thrilled to throw the 10th Fan Fest. The set-up at Xfinity Live was the biggest yet.
Fans Waiting to Enter

The line to get inside the event gates wrapped around the outdoor fencing and up towards Broad Street. An estimated 10,000 people attended Fan Fest.
Fan Fest 2023

97.5 The Fanatic listeners entered through the FanDuel gate. Some looked as fired up as Brian Dawkins coming out of the tunnel at the Linc.
Philadelphia Eagles Fans

The city is pumped for another shot at a Super Bowl. Masses of fans showed up in Birds gear, whether it was the Kelly Green or the Midnight Green.
Franklin

Franklin of the Philadelphia 76ers showed up for the team's flagship station. The Sixers had a court set up in the parking lot at Xfinity Live.
Philadelphia Sports Fans

Philly fans like to represent their teams. They showed up wearing some of the best gear you'll ever see.
FanDuel Fields

The FanDuel set-up included interactive games and spectacor events.
The Scene at Xfinity Live

The parking lots at Xfinity Live featured interactive games, sponsored tents, prizes, and photo opportunities. The Lombardi Trophy and a life-sized Brian Dawkins bobblehead made it on quite a few Instagram accounts.
Let's Go Flyers!

Anthony Gargano introduced Scott Hartnell and Keith Jones. The city of Philadelphia misses playoff hockey, and they showed it with a loud "Let's Go Flyers!" chant.
Gritty

It's never a party until Gritty shows up. The notorious Flyers mascot stole some of the attention from Hartnell and Jones.
Lou Williams

Matt Cord delivered in his signature style to announce one of the most beloved 76ers of the 21st century. Lou Williams is the NBA's all-time leader in points scored off the bench.
Paul Reed

We found out how "B-Ball Paul" started: a simple grade school nickname that stuck into Reed's career in the NBA.
Darren Sproles

Sproles spoke admirably about overcoming adversity as an undersized NFL running back who had to silence critics over a 15-year career. He made his only three career Pro Bowls as a member of the Eagles.
Brian Dawkins

He was the emotional leader of the Philadelphia Eagles who played every game like it was his last. Very few athletes in any city command as much respect as Brian Dawkins in Philadelphia.
Brian Dawkins

Dawkins joked that his biceps are a result of extra time to workout in retirement. He looks like he could still take out a wide receiver today if he put on the pads.
Nick Foles at Fan Fest 2023

Nick Foles discussed his appreciation for the Philadelphia fans and the outlook for the 2023 Eagles. He even played along with a question about a possible comeback to the NFL.
Nick Foles

Any crowd in Philadelphia melts at the sight of Nick Foles. As always, there were some chants complimenting his manhood.
Fall Out Boy

The FanDuel stage featured the musical headliner at 4pm to cap off the event. Fans could barely move through a packed crowd at the outdoor show.
The Crowd Inside Xfinity Live

Xfinity Live was packed early. The crowd enjoyed a few cold drinks and the best party 97.5 The Fanatic has ever thrown.