Flyers Buy Out Cam Atkinson, Clearing Cap Space for Next Season
The Philadelphia Flyers have made the decision to buy out veteran forward Cam Atkinson. Despite having one year left on his contract, Atkinson’s performance in the second half of the season, coupled with the emergence of prospect Matvei Michkov, led to this outcome. The Flyers had initially attempted to trade Atkinson, but his 10-team no-trade list limited their options. As a result, they will now gain approximately $3.5 million in cap space for the upcoming season.
However, this buyout comes with a penalty for the 2026-27 season, as the Flyers will carry a $1.758 million cap hit. This adds to the dead money they already have from Kevin Hayes’ buyout, which amounts to $3.57 million for each of the next two seasons. Additionally, they still have one more season of Tony DeAngelo’s buyout at $1.67 million.
Despite the disappointing end to his time in Philadelphia, Atkinson remains optimistic about his future in the NHL. After missing the entirety of the 2022-23 season due to neck surgery, he expressed his belief that he still has “a lot of juice left in the tank.” It is likely that he will explore opportunities with other teams in an effort to continue his career.
This buyout not only provides the Flyers with much-needed cap space for the next season, but it also highlights the team’s commitment to rebuilding and making necessary changes. By parting ways with Atkinson, they open up opportunities for younger players like Michkov to make an impact on the roster.
The Flyers’ decision to buy out Atkinson showcases the ever-changing landscape of professional sports. Even veteran players with a history of success and high salaries are not immune to being moved or let go when they no longer fit into a team’s plans. As teams strive to create a winning culture and navigate the complexities of the salary cap, tough decisions like this become necessary.
It will be interesting to see where Atkinson lands and if he can find a new team that values his skills and experience. As the NHL offseason unfolds, teams will assess their needs and determine if Atkinson’s “juice” is indeed worth adding to their lineup. Regardless of where he ends up, Atkinson’s departure from the Flyers signifies a new chapter for both him and the organization.