Cates will make his return from a 22-game absence due to a foot injury, playing his first game since November 25th. Before his injury, Cates had four-points (1G / 3A) in 21 games, averaging 14:25 time-on-ice.

Cates has not played since November 25th due to a broken foot and was placed on the Injured Reserve Tuesday as the Flyers recalled Olle Lyksell. The 24-year-old Cates had gotten off to a slow start in 2023-24 with only a goal, three assists, 19 SOG, and a -3 plus/minus in 21 games prior to his injury.

Cates is battling an undisclosed injury that will keep him out of the lineup on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. In 21 games this season, the 24-year-old Cates has four points (1G / 3A), averaging 14:25 time-on-ice. He will be replaced by Bobby Brink, who has been very productive when in the lineup, scoring 10 points (4G / 6A) in 16 games this season.

Cates had 13 goals, 25 assists, 107 SOG, 12 PIMs and a +3 plus/minus through 82 games with his first full season in Philadelphia in 2022-23 and has signed a two-year, $5.25 million contract extension ($2,625,000 AAV) after reaching an agreement pre arbitration. The 24-year-old was Philadelphia's 2017 fifth-round pick (137th overall) and has 18 goals and 47 points across 98 career games.