The Philadelphia Flyers have announced a six-year, $25.5 million (annual cap hit of $4.25 million) extension with forward James Van Riemsdyk.

JVR was set to be a restricted free agent at the end of the 2011-12 season. He was the second overall selection in the 2007 NHL Draft, following Patrick Kane.

The Flyers made dramatic changes to their lineup this summer, moving Jeff Carter and captain Mike Richards. Van Riemsdyk is now considered part of the core in Philly, and will now be paid as such.

With this contract in the books, the Flyers have most of their roster locked up through next season.