In the 2024 NHL Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers notably passed up on a promising defender by the name of Zeev Buium. He was one of the most electric young defensemen in collegiate hockey in 2023-24, projected by some to be a top-five selection. When he fell to the Orange and Black at 12th overall, they traded back to take a center (Jett Luchanko) instead of this dynamic player.
However, it’s understandable why the Flyers didn’t spend a premium asset on a defenseman. This is not only because they have some promising prospects in the system (and Luchanko is good), but their back end ranked among the top in the league in 2023-24. Keeping them afloat despite one of the league’s worst finishing rates and save percentages alike, the defense was essential. In terms of expected goals, the Orange and Black were ninth in the league at even strength and seventh at all strengths.
It doesn’t take a ton of big names to have a great defense in the NHL, clearly. That’s because the Flyers have a lot of their defensive talent still developing either in juniors or in the American Hockey League (AHL)—it wasn’t a complete group last season and it won’t be in 2024-25. But still, it helped prevent scoring chances at one of the best rates in the league. What does Philadelphia have presently that makes it appear as though their defense is set for the future?
Top-Pairing Upside: York, Drysdale
Let’s get to two players who I see as having top-pairing potential: Cam York and Jamie Drysdale. First, we’ll start out with York. He wasn’t at his best last season—his offense was limited as he spent most of his energy keeping the puck out of his own net. At the same time, though, he seemed very comfortable in a first-pairing role on a competitive team. At just 23 years of age, there is a lot of potential for the future.
Related: Philadelphia Flyers’ Projections: Cam York’s Offensive Upside
If York can unlock his offense, something he showed in 2022-23, this can be a reliable player. Remember, last season wasn’t remarkable for him by general standards, and yet the Orange and Black nearly made the playoffs because of his presence. He has shown the ability to be a true two-way player (as opposed to purely defensive last season), so does he have it in him to be one of the better top-pairing defenders in hockey? If he does, the Flyers are basically set.
However, York isn’t the only player here with that kind of potential….
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