In a somewhat surprising move, 28 year old Riley Cote has announced his retirement and will join the Flyers’ minor league affiliate, Adirondack Phantoms, as a coach.

Cote played sparingly last year and was likely to be sent to the minors next year anyway.

Broad Street Hockey explained what the retirement means for the Flyers always tenuous cap situation.

When it comes to the salary cap, Cote’s contract immediately comes off of the books. His cap hit only sat at $550,000, but any little bit can help the Flyers’ tight money situation. It was expected that Cote would’ve either played in Adirondack next year anyway — or perhaps he would’ve spent some more time in the Flyers press box — where he wouldn’t have counted against the salary cap.

For more reaction to Cote’s retirement check out Broad Street Hockey.