4-year deal puts Noah Cates in the right frame of mind

There’s nothing like a little job security to change a hockey player’s perspective.

Less than a year ago, the Flyers’ Noah Cates wasn’t even in the opening night lineup for a game at the Vancouver Canucks.

But Cates didn’t let the slight get to him.

Instead, he kept working at his game, eventually returned to action and later found himself centering one of the team’s most effective two-way lines with Bobby Brink and Tyson Foerster.

Cates, who finished last season as a restricted free agent, was recently rewarded for his efforts with a new four-year, $16-million contract.

The 26-year-old Minnesota native can finally stop holding his breath when it comes to a hockey career with the Flyers.

During a media Zoom call on Wednesday, Cates talked about how things have improved of late, both for him and the team as it continues its rebuild.

“I think it (the contract) is a great term in terms of kind of where I will be at,” Cates said. “Prime years for me to get to free agency (age 30). It’s knowing I’ll be in Philly for the next four years, having a bit of a runway of where we want to go and where we want to be.

“So it’s super exciting. It’s a great contract and I’m super excited for it.”

Cates’ 14 goals last season were a career high. He also finished a plus-3, which was second in plus/minus rating among the team’s forwards to Garnet Hathaway’s plus-5.

With that performance, Cates sort of turned the corner on his NHL career. There’s no more “identity crisis” to worry about.

“Just starting the season off getting scratched, it’s not where I wanted to be after (that) last (2023-24) season,” Cates said. “Just kept my head down, found my game and the effective way I can play. Doing it consistently for most of the season was great, which set me up for this contract and the future.

“Super happy that I believed in myself. I know what I am as a player and where I’m at. Just sticking with it turned out to be the best thing for me.”

Cates disclosed he recently spoke briefly with new head coach Rick Tocchet. There’s a good chance these two will hit it off because Cates is such a responsible player who constantly thinks team first.

“He’s an energetic guy and excited to have him,” Cates said.

It should be noted that Cates was a fifth-round draft pick, so he was a bit of a long shot to establish an NHL career. He played four years of college hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth so it’s a feel-good story.

“Coming into pro hockey, didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “I had my older brother (Jackson) doing it before me and he had been through a lot. First couple years he was kind of going up and down.

“For me to come in and prove what I can do, earn a nice contract – never really expected that when I was in college. To make it to the NHL, to be a big part of that (Flyers rebuild), I’ve been through a lot but I know what I am and what I can bring to the Flyers.”

Flyers’ NHL Draft Party set for AC

On Wednesday the team announced it will host a 2025 Draft Party in partnership with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on Friday, June 27 from 6 to 10 p.m.

The party will feature appearances by Flyers governor Dan Hilfirty, head coach Rick Tocchet and alumni members Mark Recchi and Todd Fedoruk.

The Flyers have three first-round draft picks, including the No. 6 overall.

Guests will receive giveaways and can participate in raffles for autographed team and musician memorabilia.

Tickets are $6 per person with proceeds benefitting Flyers Charities. They can be purchased at am.ticketmaster.com.

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