In his first full season last year, Cam York scored 10 goals with 20 assists. After a bumpy first year, it's looking like the former first-rounder is starting to figure things out in the NHL. He seems to understand what head coach John Tortorella and the Flyers expect of him. Now the question is, can he put it all together and become the star defender everyone believes he can be?
There is no doubt that the kid has talent. The 23-year-old possesses a lot of skills that NHL general managers drool over. He is fast and knows how to move the puck through traffic. He had six assists last year on the power play and it is hoped that he could be, alongside Jamie Drysdale, the type of blueliner who can help quarterback the man advantage that has been so anemic over the last few seasons despite the offensive talent that the team has.
York also has the vision to see where a play is coming and going. He collected 18 takeaways last year, third on the team for defenders behind Travis Sanheim and Sean Walker. His 174 blocked shots were second only to Nick Seeler on the team. While not physical, he did deliver 76 hits.
Cam York has the potential to be one of the Flyers' top defenders
His impatience is what gets him into some trouble. He was second on the team with 32 giveaways, just behind Sanheim. Some of those turnovers, unfortunately, led to goals. The kid is learning. The more he plays, the more he learns, and the better he becomes.
York is expected to be one of the top four blueliners for the Flyers this year. He has a bright future. If he can continue on the path he has shown, he could easily become a major fan favorite. Can he take that big step forward? Can he shed the label of "young defender" and become a "seasoned vet" this year? Time will tell.