Philadelphia Flyers Sign Center Noah Cates to Four-Year Contract Extension
The Philadelphia Flyers have officially locked up one of their key young forwards, announcing that center Noah Cates has signed a four-year contract extension with the club. The deal solidifies Cates’ place in the Flyers’ long-term plans as the team continues its rebuilding process under head coach John Tortorella and general manager Daniel Brière.
Cates’ new contract will carry him through the 2028–29 NHL season and is reportedly worth $11 million in total, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $2.75 million. The 25-year-old was a restricted free agent and was considered one of the Flyers’ top offseason priorities. By inking this deal, Philadelphia avoids arbitration and secures a key piece of their middle-six forward group.
Originally a fifth-round pick (137th overall) by the Flyers in the 2017 NHL Draft, Cates has steadily developed into a reliable two-way center. Known for his hockey IQ, defensive responsibility, and strong penalty-killing abilities, Cates has earned the trust of the Flyers’ coaching staff since turning pro in 2022 after a standout collegiate career at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
In the 2023–24 season, Cates appeared in 65 games and recorded 6 goals and 17 points. Though his offensive production dipped compared to his rookie campaign — when he posted 13 goals and 38 points in 82 games — his contributions away from the puck remained valuable. Injuries and changing linemates may have contributed to his drop in scoring, but the Flyers remain confident in his upside and believe he can be an anchor in their bottom six or even push for a larger role.
Flyers general manager Daniel Brière spoke highly of Cates following the announcement, emphasizing the center’s importance to the team’s culture and system. “Noah is the kind of player every coach wants — reliable, smart, and committed to doing the little things right,” Brière said. “He plays the game the right way and continues to improve each season.”
The extension gives Cates security while offering the Flyers some salary cap predictability as they aim to develop their young core. With players like Cutter Gauthier, Tyson Foerster, and Bobby Brink expected to play bigger roles in the coming years, Cates’ experience and two-way ability will be important for balancing out a youthful lineup.
Cates expressed excitement about staying in Philadelphia. “I’m thrilled to be part of this organization moving forward,” he said. “The fans, the city — it’s a special place. I want to help this team win and be part of what we’re building here.”
With Cates now under contract for the foreseeable future, the Flyers continue to shape a roster centered around hard work, accountability, and development — qualities that perfectly describe Noah Cates.
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