This former Sabres draft pick could be bought out.
48 hours after the completion of the Stanley Cup Final, the first NHL buyout window will open. Because of this, some players could be let go by their current clubs and become free agents.
A former Buffalo Sabres draft pick is a player to watch when the buyout window opens - Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Cal Petersen.
While speaking with NHL.com's Adam Kimelman, Flyers GM Daniel Briere shared that he is exploring all options to free up cap space, which includes the prospect of buying out Petersen and veteran forward Cam Atkinson.
Not too long ago, Petersen looked like he would be the long-term answer between the pipes for the Los Angeles Kings. However, he struggled significantly in both 2021-22 and then 2022-23 before being moved to the Flyers in a cap dump move. Unfortunately, he could not find his previous form this past season in Philly, either.
Petersen, 29, had a nightmare year while with the Flyers this season. In five appearances, he had a 2-2-0 record, a 3.90 GAA, and a .864 SV%. His struggles led to the Flyers waiving him, and he played most of the season in the AHL. In 28 games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, he had a .902 SV% and a 2.71 GAA.
It will be very interesting to see what the Flyers decide to do with Petersen this summer. With the Flyers having Ivan Fedotov and Samuel Ersson as their NHL tandem, Petersen could be made expendable.