Skip to content
Flyers

Flyers buy out R.J. Umberger

    by Sam Carchidi
    Published 

Update: The Flyers said Thursday morning that they would buy out Umberger's contract.

Dealing Scott Hartnell for R.J. Umberger was not one of them.

On Wednesday, the first day of the NHL's buyout period, Hextall is expected to cut Umberger loose.

Umberger, 34, had two unproductive years after returning for his second stint with the Flyers. Last season, he was a healthy scratch in 23 of the last 24 games, playing only in the meaningless season finale against the Islanders.

The veteran winger has a $4.6 million cap hit and has one year left on his contract. Because of the buyout formula, the Flyers would have a $3 million cap-hit savings in 2016-17 if Umberger is bought out.

If Umberger is bought out, the Flyers would absorb a $1.6 million cap hit for Umberger this season; they would also be saddled with a $1.5 million cap hit in 2017-18.

Acquiring Umberger and a fourth-round pick from Columbus was the first deal made by Hextall. Hartnell ($4.75 million annual cap hit) still has three years left on his pact.

In the two years since the deal was made. Hartnell has a total of 51 goals and 109 points, while Umberger has 11 goals and 26 points.

"I know I can play a third-line role," Umberger said when the Flyers' season ended. "I know I can play a fourth-line role if a team wants me to do that. I know I can do it. No problem. I can accept it."