Flyers' Matt Niskanen unexpectedly retiring

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Matt Niskanen John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Flyers veteran defenseman Matt Niskanen unexpectedly retiring

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 10/5/20

It appears the Philadelphia Flyers will have some extra cap space to work with this offseason that wasn't expected.

Defenseman Matt Niskanen has informed the Flyers that he plans to retire from hockey, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Let’s update this: Matt Niskanen has informed PHI that he will retire. Team asked him to take some time and think about it, he did and stayed with that decision. The Flyers are working on re-signing Justin Braun, do not want to lose two critical members of the PK
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 5, 2020

With one year remaining on his contract, the 33-year-old will forfeit the $5.75 million that's owed to him. The Flyers are now projected to have nearly $10.5 million in space, which could be used to re-sign Justin Braun, among others, and potentially add to their roster via free agency.

Philadelphia also has reportedly been shopping defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who carries a cap hit worth $4.5 million per season. If the Flyers clear his contract, they could have up to $15 million to spend this offseason.

In 68 career regular-season games with the Flyers, Niskanen tallied eight goals and 25 assists and 33 points. He added a goal and an assist during the postseason.

Before signing with the Flyers, Niskanen spent five seasons with the Washington Capitals, winning the Stanley Cup with the club in 2018. He also spent four seasons each with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Dallas Stars.

His 13-year NHL career comes to an end with 72 goals and 284 assists for 356 points in 949 games played. In 140 playoff games, he tallied six goals and 36 assists for 42 points.

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