The Philadelphia Flyers announced Thursday that they are buying out the final year of forward R.J. Umberger’s contract. Umberger had one year remaining on a deal carrying an AAV of $4.6 million.
The buy out spreads out the team’s payments to Umberger over the next two seasons. They will incur a cap hit of $1.6 million this season and $1.5 million next.
The Flyers re-acquired Umberger and a 4th round draft pick in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the summer of 2014. Scott Hartnell was the piece traded to the Blue Jackets.
The deal didn’t look great at the time, and it doesn’t look good in retrospect. Umberger played 106 games for the Flyers over the last two years. In that time, he has 11 goals and 26 points. The 34-year-old has been a healthy scratch at times and never regained that 20-goal, 50-point form he once had in Columbus.
The window for player buyouts opened on Wednesday, but all players had to clear waivers, so this is the first day where players could actually be bought out. Umberger will become a free agent, able to sign with any team except the Flyers.
Free Newsletter
Get NHL News coverage delivered to your inbox
In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes - free.
Subscribe Free →
