The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Matt Read to a four-year, $14.5 million contract extension. The deal has an average annual value of $3.625 million, and kicks in for the 2014-15 campaign. "Coming out of college a couple years ago, Matt was a guy who jumped right into our lineup and scored 24 goals," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "Now he plays regularly on the power play, he kills penalties, he plays 4-on-4... in short he's a valuable part of our hockey team and it's nice to have him under contract for the next five seasons." The native of Ilderton, Ontario had 11 goals and 13 assists in 42 games last season. In 121 career games, Read has tallied 35 goals and 36 assists and he has good fantasy value as one of the Flyers' top six forwards.

Matt Read has started negotiations with the Flyers about a new deal. The 27-year-old is slated to become an unresticted free agent in July and would like to sign a multiple-year contract to stay in Philly. Read is looking to follow up his 2012-13 season performance with another solid campaign but may be challenged to do so as he is likely destined for third-line duty.

Matt Read is optimistic about the Philadelphia Flyers' chances of bouncing back after missing the playoffs last season. "The changes we made this summer, in my mind, are all positive," Read said. "There's a lot more positive energy in the locker room. . . . I can't wait for the season to start." Philadelphia added Ray Emery, Mark Streit, and Vincent Lecavalier over the summer. Those moves certainly change the team in significant ways and they look like a serious contender for a playoff spot going into the 2013-14 campaign.

Matt Read wants to focus on getting ready for the upcoming season and not on his expiring contract or on potential trade rumors. He doesn't want the distraction of additional stress going into the last year of his contract. "I would love to stay here," Read said. "Philadelphia's obviously a great market to play hockey in. It's a great bunch of guys here." Read will probably start the year on the Flyers' third line, but he will probably continue his time on the power play and penalty kill. He notched 11 goals and 13 assists in 42 games last campaign.

The Philadelphia Flyers might be wise to sign Matt Read to a contract extension. His deal expires after the 2013-14 season, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. He scored 24 points in 42 games in 2013 and managed 24 goals in 47 contests in 2011-12. If the Flyers go the "prove it" route, on the other hand, he could have quite the contract year.

Matt Read was reportedly offered by Philadelphia in trade talks with Los Angeles for goaltender Jonathan Bernier. Bernier ended up being dealt to Toronto on Sunday in exchange for forward Matt Frattin, goaltender Ben Scrivens and a second-round draft pick in 2014 or 2015. Read is eligible for unrestricted free agency after the 2013-14 campaign.

Matt Read scored the game-winning goal in Philadelphia's 3-1 win Saturday. Mike Knuble and Ruslan Fedotenko accounted for the Flyers' other two goals. Brayden Schenn, Sean Couturier, Jakub Voracek, and Bruno Gervais each registered one assist on Saturday.

Matt Read was back on Philadelphia's top line during Sunday's 2-1 shootout loss to Pittsburgh. However, the move didn't help him snap out of his funk. Read had 13 points in his first 18 games, but has just one assist in seven contests since returning ahead of schedule from torn muscles in his rib cage. Read's jump up the Philadelphia depth chart resulted in Scott Hartnell playing on the third line with

Matt Read, who returned to action more than two weeks early from a ribcage injury on Thursday, was not pleased with his performance in a 5-4 loss to Pittsburgh. "I don't think I played my best game, but it was good to get back on the ice and try to help this team get back in the winning column," Read said. Wow is that guy tough on himself. He returned from a serious injury in less than half the time doctors predicted, and in his first game back after not playing for two weeks he's upset he didn't have a bigger impact on the team. We like this kid. For the record, so does Philly coach Peter Laviolette. "It may take a game or two for Matt to get back and find his stride. He had a tough injury," Laviolette said. "It is good to see him back there."

Matt Read (ribs) has officially returned to the Philadelphia Flyers' lineup. Read is returning about four weeks ahead of schedule. He was sidelined on Feb. 20 with torn rib cage muscles. He got off to a great start this season with seven goals and 13 points in 18 games.