Emil Andrae Makes His Case to Stay in the NHL

It's funny to see how much difference a year makes. Last year, Emil Andrae had a great training camp. He played hard, earned John Tortorella's respect, and got a chance to earn a spot on the Flyers roster to make his NHL debut. It didn't last long. He lasted four games without registering a point and playing just 13 minutes a game. The kid looked lost and played without the confidence that carried him during camp. He was sent back down to season up in the AHL.

Sometimes disappointment can fuel our hunger. After a year of playing with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the now 22-year-old Swede got his chance due to Cam York and Jamie Drysdale injuries. The way he is playing, it will be hard to justify sending him down. Though, Andrae missed the final nine-plus minutes of the win over Buffalo. There was no update about his status afterward.

Emil Andrae making it hard to send him down

Andrae has three assists in the ten games he has appeared in. He's been playing close to 19 minutes a night and as part of the power play unit; where he picked up one of his assists.

His 15 hits are one more than Nick Seeler, who has been injured for the early part of the season, and are more than York and Drysdale combined. Likewise, his six takeaways are double Drysdale's totals. He has 14 turnovers this season, but that is less than Drysdale's team-leading 22 as well as Travis Sanheim (18), Rasmus Ristolainen (18), and Seeler (15).

Andrae has been one of those defensive prospects that we've been hoping to see make his mark on the club for a little while now. Despite his size. he stands just 5'9", and he plays like someone much larger. He is not afraid to go crashing into the boards and battle for the puck with someone bigger than him. He is young and will make mistakes, but he is learning.

Whenever York comes back, it will be welcomed. However, as long as Andrae is playing well, it could complicate things when Drysdale returns as well. It's going to be hard to bench or send down a man who is playing lights out and doing everything the team wants. You know, that's not a bad problem to have.