The Philadelphia Flyers have decided that forward Noah Cates fits into their long-term plans and have locked him up with a new contract extension, but not everyone is celebrating the news.
Cates was selected with the 137th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft and was re-signed on Tuesday to a new four-year deal with a $4 million cap hit. This is a handsome raise on the $2.625 million that he made per season from his two-season contract between 2023 and 2025.
Flyers Fans Unhappy With Noah Cates’ New Contract Extension
While the Flyers’ top brass clearly thought highly enough of Cates to re-sign him for multiple years, the general sentiment from Flyers fans on social media is that they overpaid to keep him around and that his new salary isn’t justified when one looks at what he brings on the ice.
One fan kept their take short and simple, and said, “Too much!!!”
Another fan simply said, “My head hurts.”
One Hockey fan wrote, “Oh boy…. the overload and overpay on middle 6 talent to please Tocchet has started. Good luck😭.”
Another hockey fan disapproved of the deal and commented, “Four million dollars a year for Cates? Seriously? This is why this team has become a perpetual doormat and will stay that way for a long time.”
One X user wrote, “He’s a nice player. There’s nothing about him that screams difference maker. Also, I’m available to drive Tippett to Utah in exchange for the 4th pick if needed.”
One fan responded sarcastically to the deal, saying, “I keep seeing the Flyers re-signing all these guys that keep missing the playoffs.”
I keep seeing the Flyers resigning all these guys that keep missing the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/Mo5EqS4FFH
— Allen Stevens (@philllyfanatic) June 3, 2025
A flyers fan spoke about the potential reason for the extension and said, “They’re expecting a huge jump in offense I guess. Hate the value.”
One Philly fan seemed angry and commented, “HOW MUCH?!?!?! Danny, there has to be a better explanation. He’s worth maybe 2.5 AAV.”
Finally, this fan had a simple question for GM Daniel Briere and asked, “WTF are we doing, Danny Briere?”
Noah Cates Is Set To Enter His Fourth Season With the Flyers
After playing for the University of Minnesota Duluth, Cates made his NHL debut with the Flyers in 2021-22, playing in 16 games and scoring five goals and four assists. He reached a new career-high in goals in 2024-25, lighting the lamp 16 times while rarely being penalized, sitting in the penalty box for a total of just 14 minutes all season long.
Cates also received the team’s Gene Hart Memorial Award, given annually to the Flyers player who showed the most “heart” during the season. Philadelphia fans decide the winner of the award through votes polled at the monthly fan club meetings.
