Cates, 24 (2/5/1999), recorded 38 points (13-25=38) in 82 games in 2022-23, his rookie season in the NHL. He was one of three Flyers (Farabee, Provorov), and one of just four NHL rookies, to appear in all 82 games.
During his rookie campaign, he tied for the Flyers lead in game-winning goals (5), which also led all NHL rookies, and ranks T-6th in Flyers history for most GWG by a rookie in a single season. His 38 points finished sixth in scoring among NHL rookies and finished seventh in assists (25) and T-10th in goals (13). He collected 11 points (3-8=11) in the final 14 games of the season and finished the season with nine multi-point games.
Prior to turning professional, Cates spent four seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he helped the Bulldogs win the 2019 NCAA National Championship and led them to an additional Frozen Four appearance in 2021. He recorded a total of 39 goals and 60 assists for 99 points in 139 games at UMD and was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team for the 2018-19 season when he posted 23 points (9-14=23) in 40 games en route to the NCAA Title.
Internationally, the Stillwater, Minnesota native has represented the United States on several occasions. He was a member of Team USA for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing where he appeared in all four games and recorded one goal and a +2 rating. He helped the U.S. win a silver medal at the 2019 World Junior Championships, appearing in all seven games and recording three points (1-2=3).
Cates signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Flyers on Mar. 27, 2022 after he was originally selected by the Flyers in the fifth-round (137th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft.
