Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers to Buy Out Cam Atkinson, Create More Cap Space for 2024
The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Friday morning that forward Cam Atkinson has been placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out the final year of his contract.
Atkinson, 35, just finished his second season with the Flyers after missing the entirety of the 2022-23 season due to a season-ending neck injury. Arriving in Philadelphia in 2021, Atkinson finished his Flyers career with 36 goals, 42 assists, and 78 points in 143 games played.
The longtime Columbus Blue Jackets forward last scored a goal on Jan. 23 in a 6-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but failed to score a single point in the final three months of game action that followed.
“When it comes to someone with the accomplishments and character of Cam, this was an exceptionally tough decision to make. Throughout his time with the Flyers, Cam has displayed an incredible work ethic and level of professionalism that is a true credit to him as a player and person,” Flyers general manager Danny Briere said in a statement regarding Atkinson. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the amount of effort, dedication, and perseverance he went through during an incredibly tough rehabilitation process in order to come back and be a leader for our team on and off the ice. I would like to thank Cam for all he has put into raising the standard of our team. Cam will always have a place in the Flyers organization, and we wish all the success for him and his family in the future.”
By buying out the final year of Atkinson’s seven-year, $41.13 million contract, the Flyers saved $3.516 million in cap space this season, but will lose $1.758 million in cap space next season.
Briere told Philly Hockey Now that Cal Petersen and Ryan Johansen were other players who were options to help create cap space in this way but, ultimately, Atkinson was the easiest to part with, with respect to the Flyers’ roster composition. Petersen figures to be the backup to Alexei Kolosov with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms next season, while Johansen remains injured and cannot be bough out.
It’s possible that Johansen lands on LTIR if and when necessary, alongside defenseman Ryan Ellis.
The Flyers now have the necessary funds to finish re-signing players and add players in free agency on Monday if they wish.
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First good move.
Ryan Suter was bought out by the Stars…perhaps offer him a contract ….he would be a valuable experience defenseman
Also like to see Danny pull the trigger with the Sens for their 7th pick…. get center Shane Pinto in exchange for the 12th pick, Noah Cates, Emil Andrae and Risto and his $5.5M cap hit contract. Pinto can center the third line and with the 7th pick the Flyers can get what player they desire……I’d hope it would be Iginla or Eiserman. Also creates more cap space with Risto’s lost cap hit money.
As far as Johansen…..Jonesy needs to petition the league to investigate that trade…..was RyJo injured when traded and it was not disclosed….or injured off-ice–a non-hockey incident. There is definably something fishy that went on….IMO the agent had something to do with it.
This is what you’re getting with Pinto. 40 points a year and baggage from his gambling suspension. No way!
Agree on RyJo part, where is league on this issue, that was a joke, and how much are Avalanche to be trusted on this, what did they know. That whole situation reeks
Aren’t passing physicals part of trades?
We got German Rubostov in first round again, for all the hype leading up to draft , to say this was clunked is understatement. Didn’t get any help for system and not in any position to get any either. Weak draft left , depth AHL’ers left. All I hear best available is draft strategy, we do not adhere to that at all Buium?. How’s that been working out? Big talk about Senators trade where’sd that go? We are going to screw up even more by signing overrated Konecny , because for some reason we think he’s a star. This is getting old . Laughton will still be hear until his value is conditional 7th rounder, where’s rebuild proof. Banking on next years draft so we are competing in 2029? We’ll blow it again next year, getting really hard to trust this team. That hurts saying but it’s reality