Cam York could’ve decided to keep everything behind closed doors. That’s exactly how his former coach liked to do things. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
But when a reported altercation ends up being part of the reason your coach may have been fired, at least taking responsibility is something you should do.
And that’s what Cam York did.
“I’m not going to get into the details of it,” York said after Friday’s practice. “I will say this: I take full responsibility for my actions. It’s been addressed here in the locker room. It’s something that I’m going to put behind me and move on from. We got eight games left here, and that’s my focus right now so we’ll leave it at that.”
This came after York played just 3:50 in Tuesday's game against Toronto after a defensive miscue led to a Toronto goal. York and Tortorella have had a rocky relationship during the former head coach's tenure in Philadelphia. At times, Tortorella complimented York and thought the team would be in danger when he was injured earlier in the year.
And other times, he tried to light a fire under him when he felt York's play was not up to par. That has included multiple in-game benchings and healthy scratches. At one point, it led Tortorella to bring up a moment a few years ago when he directly challenged York.
"I tried to pick a fight with him when I sent him down, I was so upset with his camp,” Tortorella said. “I think he went to Lehigh, he put the time in, I felt he had a chip on his shoulder coming back here – mainly at me – and I’ve told you guys, I was so proud of him, as far as where he brought his game to.”
But when York was benched earlier this month, he was yet another player to bring up not having communication on why or what he needed to do better. So it would not be a surprise if York was fed up with the way he was seemingly being treated.
So something came to a head between Tuesday and Thursday that led to Tortorella's dismissal and another benching for York. He suited up for Thursday's game against the Canadiens. But he would not step on the ice throughout the night.
Interim head coach Brad Shaw would only describe it as a "disciplinary issue." He also added that York would be back in the lineup on Saturday. It took less than 24 hours to learn of the reported altercation between York and Tortorella after Tuesday's loss, where both "crossed the line."
What's next for York?
Now that Tortorella is gone, York must continue to take this opportunity to show that he belongs in Philadelphia. He can't let this incident be his eventual downfall. Approaching RFA status this summer, York will have the remaining eight games to keep making his case.
His point totals are down, and his play has dropped off from where it was the prior year. His on-ice numbers are not far off from what he was doing last year, though. Through 58 games, York has a 49.74 CF% after posting a 50.44 CF% in 82 games last season.
His expected goals percentage is actually better than where he was last season, as opponents have a 38.13 xGA with York on the ice. So in that regard, he's helping his team out more defensively. But his 43.91 xGF is over 10 points down from what it was a season ago.
Could it be his change in play style to become a more well-rounded defenseman? Could it be that Tortorella's scheme was forcing him to play more of a defensive game instead? Tortorella often focused on that side of the puck.
The lack of goal-scoring could also simply be a bit of bad puck luck. York is finding ways to get into high-danger areas based on the numbers. His 18 chances are equal to those of his career year last season. Of course, that doesn't matter in the end if the puck isn't going in. But it's not for a lack of trying.
With Shaw at the helm, York could find himself playing freer. It's Shaw who has worked his magic on more than a few of the Flyers' defensemen. His role will be different as the head coach, but the relationship has been established.
Having worked positionally with his now head coach for years, York has a good idea of what he needs to do. It's something that he had already spoken with Shaw about.
“When I’m at my best, I’m up and down the rink,” York explained after his scratch earlier this month. “I’m a rover, in the rush. Moving the puck really well, defending with my legs, physical when I need to be, blocking shots. My game when I’m at my best is a little bit of everything.”
York may not be earning the type of contract that he could've gotten after last season. But there's no reason for the Flyers to give up on him yet. There's a reason he was considered one of their best defenseman at times last season.
With a new opportunity in front of him, York needs to take it with a head of steam.
"This is where I want to be. I’ve stated that. I love what’s going on here and I love what we’re building,” York said. “It hasn’t been our best of years, but it’s here. This is where I want to be, and I’m looking forward to the future.”