While the Flyers got a much-needed win over the Minnesota Wild, it came at a cost. Before the game, it was announced that Cam York, Travis Sanheim's partner on the blue line, would be missing time after taking a hit from Nic Dowd in the second game vs the Capitals. The loss is fairly big as York has two goals on the season and has been stepping up his game a bit. He is starting to show signs of the offensive-defensive player the Flyers envisioned him when he was drafted.
However, with every setback, there is an opportunity. In this case, Jamie Drysdale has been given that opportunity. This is his chance to show he has what it takes to be a top defender in the NHL.
Drysdale has talent. It's there. Everyone can see it. The problem is that that talent has often been derailed due to injuries sustained during his young career. It's why the Anaheim Ducks gave up on him after just 123 games over parts of four seasons and shipped him to Philly for disgruntled prospect Cutter Gauthier. He played just 18 games with Anaheim over the last two seasons.
We saw this injury bug take hold of him last year. He appeared in just 24 games for the Flyers last year. Soon after he arrived, he took ill. In February, he injured his shoulder. Over the summer, he had core muscle surgery. To be honest, these first eight games of the season have been the healthiest we've seen him.
Drysdale can showcase his talents with York out
Not that we want York to miss time. The Flyers are definitely a better team with him on it. However, Drysdale could move up to be paired up with Sanheim and fill in seamlessly. However, it was Rasmus Ristolainen who played with Sanheim against Minnesota. But so far, Drysdale has two assists with one goal. He's moving the puck well and showing off his speed and versatility.
When the Flyers traded for him, they envisioned him quarterbacking the power play unit, kind of like how Shayne Gostisbehere used to. Again, he got hurt so we never saw that. However, since the power play has gotten revitalized as of late, it could be great to see Drysdale feeding the puck to Matvei Michkov on the man advantage.
York is expected to miss at least two weeks with an upper-body injury. That should be roughly seven to ten games. During that time, Drysdale is going to get the best audition for the Flyers he can get. He should use every opportunity available to show that he was worth the acquisition. He is signed through next year. He is also just 22. With a crop of young players ready and willing to take a spot on the Flyers roster, this is a golden opportunity to earn a spot for years to come.
If Drysdale can take advantage of this time and put up some points, be they assists or goals, he can show he has shaken off the injury bug and is worthy of a first-round selection and may make the Ducks rue giving up on him. Let's hope that is the case.