With Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster recently signing extensions with the Philadelphia Flyers, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic wonders if pending restricted free agent defender Cam York is next.
As Kevin Kurz reports, sources close to York have indicated that discussions between the player and the Flyers have been ongoing for some time, with both short- and long-term contract options being considered. While York is coming off a down year compared to his 2023-24 season, where he established career highs in goals (10) and assists (20), he’s still only 24 years old and will more than likely benefit from the organization’s recent coaching change.
York and Flyers had a tumultuous 2024-25 season, with former head coach John Tortorella making York a healthy scratch on two separate occasions. After sustaining a shoulder injury early in the season that York later admitted impacted his performance, Tortorella also did not play York on the power play despite the unit finishing 30th in the league. Things ultimately came to a head on March 25 when York and Tortorella reportedly had a heated exchange during a 7-2 loss to the Maple Leafs. Tortorella was soon after fired, and York was disciplined by dressing but not skating in the following contest against the Canadians.
Still, the former first-round pick possesses potential that other teams may covet on the open market. For the Flyers to determine if extending York aligns with their long-term vision, they must assess whether his style complements the system Rick Tocchet intends to implement.
Elsewhere in the Metropolitan Division:
- Sources confirmed to Kurz that the Flyers will not be in the market for big-name free agents come July 1. While general manager Daniel Briere and the front office have nearly $19MM in cap space (per PuckPedia), they seem content to continue to resign their own younger players. Excluding non-roster players, the Philadelphia Flyers have two restricted free agents remaining—York and winger Jakob Pelletier—and no unrestricted free agents. It appears the Flyers are opting to retain a roster similar to last season’s, with Tocchet and his coaching staff aiming to maximize player performance and development.
- Rangers’ general manager Chris Drury kept veterans like Mika Zibanejad informed about his intentions regarding the trade of Chris Kreider, per Larry Brooks of the NY Post. Kreider and Zibanejad were teammates for the last nine years and helped lead the Rangers to much success in that time. The team officially traded Kreider to the Ducks today. Ironically, the trade reunites Kreider with Rangers former captain Jacob Trouba, who was dealt to Anaheim last season.
I suspect the Flyers will be, as some say, opptunistic. Maybe someone wants to play for Tocchet and they get a nice discount. Maybe they find a deal late in free agency. Something of that sort.
Daniel Briere, And Keith Jones at the controls, Along with Rick Tocchet, Cant wait to see how this turns out.
TBD if Flyers are in on big-name free agents, but they will absolutley spend the 19m of cap space available. I’m fine if they add money mostly through trades. Let’s go Flyers!