Not surprised about Cates at all. One year away from being a UFA, who the organization has touted as a great 3rd line shutdown center. With those figures presented by the club, that is more in line with a bottom six wing position. I just do not know how many bottom six forwards are necessary to secure long-term with top six talent still needed. Nothing against Cates, the player should try and maximize his value. The management needs to start trading this abundance of bottom six players for other assets. The Flyers “top line” of Cates, Foerster, and Brink- with the depth of the organization does it make sense for all 3 to be here long-term? I agree, it is okay to trade a player before the value of the player has plummeted to a level of giving away. I would keep Foerster and move on from Brink and Cates by next summer because their value is pretty high at the moment. Couts is signed long term, his contract is immovable just the reality, one of the bottom six center positions is locked up. I do not feel it is necessary to lock up the other bottom six center spot long term. I would prefer the other bottom six center spot not to be a liability at faceoffs if that player is signed long-term.