Despite trade speculations, Noah Cates is here to stay, earning an extension this morning with the Philadelphia Flyers for four years at a $4 million AAV. Similar to Tyson Foerster’s recent extension, Cates’ contract also seems to be a bridge deal, with two extra years. As one of the Flyers’ most important centremen last season, this contract should solidify his role in their depth down the middle.
The Ideal Middle-Six Centre
Cates proved last season that he is a very valuable lineup piece for the Flyers with high defensive responsibility and penalty killing with some offensive production on the side. Like Foerster, he was also part of Tortorella’s favourite line, playing alongside Bobby Brink. Their collective performance put all three of them in the Flyers’ top seven in points, as Cates finished the year with 37 in 78 games. He’s starting to become one of the Flyers’ most efficient draft picks in recent memory as they seem to have found a reliable 3C with a fifth-round pick.
Potential Long Term Future
Unless a perfect trade comes along, the Flyers should see no reason to move Cates. Capable of playing both centre and left wing, Noah’s a flexible player who plays efficiently almost anywhere in the lineup . More importantly, having a dynamic forward with defensive responsibility would be ideal in the playoffs. Especially with the departure of Scott Laughton, the Flyers are going to need a swiss-army knife type of forward to rely on in the postseason. If all goes well, Cates may end up staying in Philadelphia well beyond the next four years.
What Does Noah Cates Contract Extension Mean to Flyers
His highlight of the season was his mid-season heater, logging 21 points from November 14th to January 18th in 31 games. During this span, he also had a five game goal and point streak (five goals, one assist) in December, logging nine shots in the process.
Flyers fans shouldn’t have to worry about Noah Cates next season as he’s already proven himself as one of Philadelphia’s most reliable players.
Main Photo Credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
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