Noah Cates next contract

Foerster and Cates have the highest GAR/xGAR on the team.
They're valuable role players, middle six forwards but really good middle six forwards.

Cates was a top defensive specialist at center as a rookie, last year when he returned from injury he showed he could be a 2LW for a scoring center if needed, and this year he's been a solid 2C/3C, although he's sacrificed some defense for more offense, that should balance out with experience.

Cates has improved his skating to where it's above average, he has the best stick in terms of puck possession in crowds and causing turnovers, he's a fine forechecker and PK guy, he's improved his playmaking skills and vision. What's not to like?

He has limitations, he'll never be an offensive force, he's improved as a passer and has a decent shot, but no standout skill. While he has wiry strength, he's slight below average in size, he's become a good but not special skater. His best attribute is his defensive IQ.

I'd be wary about term, if he wants more than 5 years, I'd want a discount on AVV b/c I think he'll start to fall off after 30. But if I can get a discount up front, don't mind overpaying the out years when the cap goes up.

Cates is clearly superior to Laughton or even Pageau.
Given the rise in the cap, I'd expect something in the $4-5M range
 
Cates was a top defensive specialist at center as a rookie, last year when he returned from injury he showed he could be a 2LW for a scoring center if needed
He absolutely did not show that last year, unless you think 18 points (pacing for 25) is good enough to be a second line winger.

What's above a first line forward? I'm assuming that's what Frost is if Cates "showed he could be a 2LW" last year. Konency is, what, a negative 2nd line forward?

Signing an about to be 26 year old player yet to crack 90 total points in the NHL to any kind of term longer than a few years is lunacy.
 
He absolutely did not show that last year, unless you think 18 points (pacing for 25) is good enough to be a second line winger.

What's above a first line forward? I'm assuming that's what Frost is if Cates "showed he could be a 2LW" last year. Konency is, what, a negative 2nd line forward?

Signing an about to be 26 year old player yet to crack 90 total points in the NHL to any kind of term longer than a few years is lunacy.
I said when he came back from his injury.

38g xGF 63.56%, HDCF 63.75%, xGF/60: 3.14 (best among forwards), HDCF/60: 16.17 (best on team)
Played with: Poehling 233, Hathaway 219 Couts 83, Foerster 54. Which explains his low scoring rate.

With real forwards, this year he's scoring 2.04 pp/60 at ES, Couts 1.93, Poehling 1.78, Frost 1.77.

He's not a great player, but he's be a great complementary LW with an offense first center.
 
I said when he came back from his injury.

38g xGF 63.56%, HDCF 63.75%, xGF/60: 3.14 (best among forwards), HDCF/60: 16.17 (best on team)
Played with: Poehling 233, Hathaway 219 Couts 83, Foerster 54. Which explains his low scoring rate.

With real forwards, this year he's scoring 2.04 pp/60 at ES, Couts 1.93, Poehling 1.78, Frost 1.77.

He's not a great player, but he's be a great complementary LW with an offense first center.
He’s not a great player? You called him elite.
 
I said when he came back from his injury.

38g xGF 63.56%, HDCF 63.75%, xGF/60: 3.14 (best among forwards), HDCF/60: 16.17 (best on team)
Played with: Poehling 233, Hathaway 219 Couts 83, Foerster 54. Which explains his low scoring rate.

With real forwards, this year he's scoring 2.04 pp/60 at ES, Couts 1.93, Poehling 1.78, Frost 1.77.

He's not a great player, but he's be a great complementary LW with an offense first center.
No, his lack of offensive game explains his low scoring rates. We can argue wether he's a 20 point player or a 40 point player, but neither of those players belong on the second line.
 
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No, his lack of offensive game explains his low scoring rates. We can argue wether he's a 20 point player or a 40 point player, but neither of those players belong on the second line.
What do you think the median second line forwards scores at ES?
The median is #144 (96 1st, 48 2nd). Scored 30 ES points last season. EH (excluding empty net)
This season 18 points in 50 games, or 30 points prorated.
Overall 43 points including PP and SH.
 
What do you think the median second line forwards scores at ES?
The median is #144 (96 1st, 48 2nd). Scored 30 ES points last season. EH (excluding empty net)
This season 18 points in 50 games, or 30 points prorated.
Overall 43 points including PP and SH.
Great, pumped for the Flyers to resign him and be a median NHL team for the remainder of his 7 year contract. Mission accomplished.
 
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These advances statistics are so misleading and can be skewed so easily. Yes, they do indicate a player's usefulness, but they don't paint a whole picture of the player. There's usage, zone starts, linemates etc...

Sometimes, you actually have to WATCH a player play and not rely on these stats.

As for deal for Cates, 3 years/$11 million. That's more than fair for what he brings to the table.
 

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