PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Flyers signed coach John Stevens to a two-year contract extension on Thursday that will keep him with the team through the 2010-11 season.
The 42-year-old Stevens led the Flyers to a remarkable turnaround that included an appearance in the Eastern Conference finals in his first full season as coach.
"We knew it was just a matter of time before we got it done," Stevens said. "I love being part of this organization and the direction that the team is heading."
The Flyers posted a 42-29-11 record last season -- a 20-win improvement over the 2006-07 season, in which they finished with the league's worst record. Philadelphia lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference finals.
"John is very deserving of this new contract," general manager Paul Holmgren said. "He is a very energetic coach who brings a lot of enthusiasm and passion to the game, and we look forward to working together over the next few years."
Stevens has a career record of 63-71-22 since being promoted from assistant coach in October 2006.