Defensive depth in the Philadelphia Flyers system

While Chuck Fletcher believes the Flyers need more defensive depth, there is already some talent brewing.

Having depth at each position is never a bad idea. Whether that is on offense, defense, or goaltending. Having players available to you that can step up when need be is one of the keys to having a successful team. And while the Flyers might be looking to stock up on defense, there are some names worth keeping an eye on that are already here.

During his end of the season press conference, Chuck Fletcher mentioned his want to add some more defensive depth to the group. He could add that via the draft, or look to the free-agent market.

Justin Braun will be coming up on free agency and isn’t likely to be re-signed in Philadelphia. Robert Hagg is also a free agent but is more likely to come back than Braun is. And the trade rumors continue to follow Shayne Gostisbehere. Mark Friedman was signed to help bridge the gap between what the team has coming up.

So what exactly do the Flyers have in their system?

Egor Zamula

Zamula is probably the more exciting option simply because of how excited the Flyers are for his development. They took the same route with him as they did Philippe Myers. And that was taking a chance on the undrafted defenseman.

It is already looking like another diamond in the rough situation. He was signed in 2018 and went on to have a breakout season for the Calgary Hitman. He posted 10 goals and 56 points after just 18 combined points between two WHL teams a season prior.

Zamula was a number one defensemen on the Russian squad during the most recent World Juniors. Despite needing back surgery after the tournament, he was able to rehab and join the team for training camp. And he was rewarded with a spot on the Flyers postseason roster.

He is similar to Myers with his towering size and ability to break up plays with his long stick. The offensive has been trending upward as Zamula looks to fine-tune his skating to allow him to make it to the next level.

He should get plenty of time with the Phantoms next season where he will likely be skating with another rookie defensemen garnering some attention.

Wyatte Wylie

It took a while for Wylie to climb the ranks after being drafted during the fifth round in 2018. The Flyers’ decision to send him back to the WHL this past season turned out to be the right decision.

As an overage player in the league, he was able to be assigned to the AHL or ECHL if the team had decided to do so. Wylie has only gotten better at the junior level, culminating with his best offensive output for the Everett Silvertips this past year.

He posted a career-high 14 goals and 64 points as a first-year alternate captain. He finished second among all WHL defensemen in points and led all defensemen in assists He showed versatility during his WHL time, something that could come in handy for him in the future.

He will be a top defenseman on a Phantoms team that is looking for a much needed bounce-back season. Wylie should get plenty of minutes on the backend. Who knows, maybe he will team up with Zamula?

Cam York

When the Flyers took York in the first round last year, there were some who wondered why they let an offensive talent like Cole Caufield go. However, it’s looking like the Flyers have a future star in the making with York.

He stepped into the scene in Michigan and completely blew away the expectations set aside for him. He finished as a finalist for B1G Ten Rookie of the Year, coincidentally along with Caufield. York was the go-to player on Michigan’s backend. And he proved he was more than just a defenseman.

His two-way ability allowed him to shine at the college level. York had five goals and 16 points during his freshman campaign. And while he is heading back to Michigan for his sophomore season, he isn’t expected to remain there for his entire collegiate career.

If possible, he should have an even bigger role during his second season. It’s tough to say that as he was relied upon for plenty as a freshman. But he should take another step forward before turning professional as early as next summer.

There are a few other names to keep an eye on. Mason Millman is looking like the sleeper of the Flyers prospect class. Ronnie Attard posted 30 goals a season ago and looked impressive at the collegiate level.

So there is plenty to like with what the Flyers have in their system. Each player is a bit away from contributing at the NHL level. But there is a lot of talent that could be coming to them sooner rather than later.