The Philadelphia Flyers announced this morning that forward Noah Cates will miss significant time due to a lower-body injury.
After the club’s report, head coach John Tortorella’s initial statement, “It’s going to be awhile,” seems to be a bit of an understatement.
Noah Cates, 24, is expected to be out for six to eight weeks. That timeline would have him returning in mid-to-late January.
The third-year “veteran” of the Flyers is developing into a formidable defensive forward who has traits similar to those of Sean Couturier. Last season, Cates was in Selke talks, receiving a handful of votes.
He has toned down his offensive output this season in order to focus more on his defense. after failing to record a point since October 28, 2023, with just 1 goal and 3 assists in 21 games played.
Following a puck to the upper lip during a game against the Rangers and requiring more than thirty stitches, it was initially anticipated that Cates would miss amble time. That was untrue, at least for that injury, returning to the starting lineup on Saturday against the Islanders. Beating out Bobby Brink.
Noah Cates had one of his best performances of the year on Saturday. Unfortunately, he suffered a devastating injury in the process. Cates clocked 14:12 minutes against the Islanders, blocking a pair of shots in the Flyers’ 1-0 shootout victory. One of those blocks may play into why he is now sporting a lower-body injury.
Cates had made an appearance in 119 consecutive games to start his NHL career, not missing a single game. That streak will come to an end as the Flyers play host to the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at 7:30 p.m.
Morgan Frost and Bobby Brink In:
The Morgan Frost vs. Bobby Brink controversy will finally come to an end with Noah Cates out of the picture, at least for the time being. John Tortorella was running these forward lines during the Flyers’ 10:30 a.m. practice this morning:
Tippett-Frost-Atkinson Foerster-Couturier-Konecny
Brink, Farabee, Poehling, Deslauriers, Laughton, and Hathaway
Putting Frost and Brink in their respective spots instead of one in and one out. An ongoing issue throughout the whole season.
News is still undisclosed regarding the extent of Noah Cates’ injury and which lower body part it is that is keeping him out of the lineup. There will be updates as the weeks progress.
Update: The club announced late Tuesday night that Noah Cates’ injury is a broken foot. John Tortorella said it happened in the second period on Saturday.
By: Dylan Robillard (@DylanRobillard_)
brotherlypuck.com 