By Spike Eskin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Flyers have had their share of troubles signing free-agents to big contracts this off-season. They have however, been able to sign their head coach, Peter Laviolette to a multi-year extension.

“We are thrilled to have Peter continue his work with our group as we push to compete for the Stanley Cup,” Flyers FM Paul Holmgren said in a press release.  “Peter has done a terrific job for us and is very deserving of this extension.”

Under Laviolette, the Flyers have been the only team in the league to reach the second round of the playoffs (or further) in each of the last three seasons.  The Flyers have participated in eight playoff series in that time, more than any other team.  In terms of overall playoff performance, Laviolette’s teams in Carolina and Philadelphia  have taken part in 12 playoff series since the lockout, which is the third-most by any NHL coach after Mike Babcock (17 with Detroit) and Joel Quenville (13 with Colorado and Chicago).

Comcast Sportsnet’s Sarah Baicker reports the deal runs through the 2014-15 season. Laviolette’s original contract expires after the 2012-13 season.

A Flyers press release contributed to this report.