Flyers Considering Buyout Option for Cal Petersen and Cam Atkinson
The Philadelphia Flyers are facing a tough decision this offseason as they weigh the possibility of buying out veteran winger Cam Atkinson and goaltender Cal Petersen. The team’s cap space is limited, with only $500K in regular cap room projected for the summer, leaving little room for roster upgrades.
Atkinson, coming off a disappointing season with just 13 goals and 15 assists, is carrying a hefty price tag of $5.875MM AAV. While he was once a top-line threat, his performance has declined, making a buyout a potentially attractive option for the Flyers. The move would save them over $3.5MM for the 2024-25 season but add a $1.76MM dead cap charge in 2025-26.
Petersen, acquired in a salary dump from Los Angeles, struggled in his brief action with the Flyers, posting a .864 SV% and allowing 18 goals in five games. A buyout for him would reduce his cap charge from $5MM to $1MM for 2024-25 but add $2MM to the 2025-26 books.
While the Flyers have additional cap room available due to Ryan Ellis remaining on LTIR, they are hesitant to rely heavily on that flexibility. The uncertainty surrounding Ryan Johansen’s health further complicates the situation, with no clarity on whether he will be ready for the upcoming season.
The first buyout window will open shortly after the Stanley Cup ends, giving GM Daniel Briere a limited time to make a decision on Atkinson and Petersen. With time running out, the Flyers must act quickly to address their cap space constraints and make the necessary roster adjustments.