"He’s one of the more effortless skaters the draft has produced in recent memory, with top-tier four-way mobility that helps him close gaps, pivot away from pressure, weave through traffic, and play on his heels when he has to and create lanes for his passes or shots."
"(He) might be the best defenseman available in the draft. The 5-11, 175-pound right-handed shot is capable of driving play with his skating and elite hockey sense."
"(His) skating ability is nothing short of elite. His agility and balance are incredible to watch, and he can instantly take over the game using this ability. Even more impressive is his hockey IQ. He is one of the most intelligent defensemen I have seen in years."
All of the above were quotes by hockey experts ahead of the 2020 NHL Draft, praising the abilities of one Jamie Drysdale. He was hailed as one of the greatest defensive hockey prospects in years. Speed? We've seen glimpses of it. Hockey intelligence? Considering how much he played, he turned the puck over just 73 times and was fourth on the team with 102 blocked shots despite playing in just 70 games.
And yet, that's the kicker. He has appeared in 70+ games twice in his career: last season and in 2021-22 with Anaheim. Despite all the potential, he has been ravaged by the injury bug. As Flyers fans, we've seen this before with players like Sam Morin and Nolan Patrick. Even Eric Lindros, as great as he was, was impacted by numerous injuries.
The Big Drysdale Question
Fairly or unfairly, Drysdale will always be connected with Cutter Gauthier because the two were traded for each other, much like Lindros was always to be connected to Peter Forsberg. If Drysdale can stay healthy, become a speedy complement to someone, like Travis Sanheim or Nick Seeler, and can be a successful quarterback on the power play, then we would see the trade in a positive light. If he continues to get injured and Gauthier's star rises, then we will be upset at "what could have been".
And therin lies the big question. Can Drysdale stay healthy? Since entering the league full-time, he's torn a labrum in his shoulder in 2023-24, had a sports hernia surgery that offseason, suffered another shoulder injury after being traded to Philly, and had two stints on the injured list with upper-body injuries last year. That's a lot for one body to deal with in such a short time.
He has two things going for him. First, he is 23 years old. If he can shake off the injuries, he can have a long career. Secondly, perhaps the Flyers' new head coach will employ him differently than John Tortorella did. Maybe as part of a way to revamp the anemic power play unit, Drysdale could helm it and become the player all the scouts envisioned he would be back in 2020.
It's Up to Drysdale Now
When the Flyers traded for Trevor Zegras earlier this year, a pattern was emerging. The trade was for a prospect who has struggled because of injuries and unmet expectations. He was also on a team that was really just craptacular. There is hope that Rick Tocchet can unlock the great player that Zegras has proven he can be.
Likewise, can Tocchet do the same thing with Drysdale? Can he fix the power play and make Drysdale a force on it not seen from a defender since Shayne Gostisbehere? Can he help transform Drysdale into a speedy wizard in the mold of a Cam York or Kimmo Timonen? Only time will tell.
However, Drysdale's time could be running out. Oliver Bonk is ready and waiting to crack the roster. There are a few other guys down below (Spencer Gill, Hunter McDonald, Helge Grans) who are waiting to get their NHL shot and prove they belong on the roster permanently.
If Drysdale continues to struggle with injuries and production, he may not last much longer. He will be an RFA at year's end. Are the flashes we've seen a portend of things to come, or are they flashes in the pan? It's up to him to figure that out.