Forward Cousins accepts qualifying offer from Flyers

Forward Nick Cousins, a restricted free agent, accepted his qualifying offer for a 2016-17 contract with the Flyers, the team announced Thursday.

The 22-year-old Ontario native was selected by the Flyers in the third round of the 2011 NHL draft. He scored six goals and had five assists in 36 games with the Flyers last season and played in all six of the Flyers' Stanley Cup playoff games.

Before being called up to the Flyers in February, Cousins led the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers' American Hockey League affiliate, with 38 points on 12 goals and 26 assists in 38 games.

- Erin McCarthy