Don Deal: A player valued over $600 million is welcomed by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Don Deal: A player valued over $600 million is welcomed by the Philadelphia Flyers.

With the signing of forward Matt Read to a four-year, $14.5 million US extension on Friday, the Philadelphia Flyers secured a crucial piece for their developing core.

Philadelphia made the announcement on their official website. The 27-year-old’s current contract, which will start in the 2014–15 season, will replace his three-year, $2.7 million entry-level agreement.

“We’re thrilled and relieved that it’s finally finished,” Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren stated in a release. He is one of our team’s youthful core members. With this extension, we are pleased to have him under contract for an additional five years.”

The five-foot-10, 185-pound winger played for Bemidji State University in North Dakota before signing a free agent contract with Philadelphia. He was originally undrafted. He said he was still in shock over the new contract and that he thought the Flyers were the ideal match.

“I’m overjoyed about it,” he declared. “I have found the past two years to be incredibly overwhelming. I still find it absurd that I get to play in the National Hockey League. It is therefore a dream come true for me to sign my second contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. I’m delighted to be here for a few more years and couldn’t be happier with this organization.”

When he made his NHL debut in 2011, he had a strong rookie season, leading all rookies in goals scored and assists given in 79 games. The native of Ilderton, Ontario, followed that up with 11 goals and 13 assists in 42 games during the previous season’s lockout-shortened play.