"There are a lot of good people in this organization," Carter said after the game. "I maybe could have held out and gone somewhere else for more money, but I'm happy here. I love playing here. We've got a good thing going here and you want to be part of it."
Although he stopped short of saying Carter's signing was salary-cap friendly, Holmgren added, "It's not something that will hurt us."
Carter's three-year deal was for $15 million for a cap hit of $5 million a year. His extension puts his cap number at $5.27 million. With Carter's signing, the Flyers have committed $57.5 million to 18 players for the 2011-12 season, according to capgeek.com. The NHL payroll limit for this season is $59.4 million and will likely rise next season, but not significantly. The Flyers will have to do some maneuvering to find wiggle room for signing talented winger Ville Leino, who is in the final year of his contract.
Holmgren said Carter's contract has a no-trade clause that is limited.
"There's a brief time where we can't trade him," Holmgren said. "Obviously, that's not an issue right now. Jeff's a big part of our future."
Carter entered Saturday's game tied for the team lead with eight goals. The 11th overall pick in the 2003 NHL entry draft, Carter is in his sixth season with the Flyers. He had a breakout season in 2008-09, when he led the team with 46 goals and 84 points and played in his first NHL All-Star Game. Last season, he again led the Flyers with 33 goals, and his 319 shots were third in the league.
"I always say you have to be strong down the middle, and he's certainly been that for us," Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said.
Carter shares the Canadian record with Eric Lindros and John Tavares for most goals (12) scored in the World Junior Tournament.
"He's a scorer, and you need guys who can score," Holmgren said.
Contact staff writer Ray Parrillo at 215-854-2743 or rparrillo@phillynews.com.
