When the Philadelphia Flyers acquired Jamie Drysdale, they knew they were getting a player with high potential but one who was still developing.
At just 21 years old when he first arrived in Philadelphia, Drysdale was faced with some high expectations before ever setting foot on the ice at the Wells Fargo Center.
Unfortunate injuries and learning a completely new defensive system have caused some fans to question whether or not Drysdale has a place in this Flyers team (even though it quite literally has only been year since he was acquired), but head coach John Tortorella has made it clear that the young defenseman is both a work in progress and a cornerstone for the Flyers’ future.
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Transitioning from Potential to Production
Drysdale’s tenure with the Anaheim Ducks was marked by plenty of promise, but as Tortorella noted, his overall game remained unpolished when he arrived in Philadelphia.
“I don’t know because I wasn’t there [in Anaheim with him] and I’m not running anybody that coached him before,” he stated. “He was raw when we got him. He still is fairly raw.”
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
Tortorella’s assessment isn’t a knock on Drysdale’s ability; it’s a reflection of the demanding expectations he has for his players. The Flyers’ coach noted that he believes Anaheim should’ve let the young defenseman have some time in the AHL before handing him NHL duties, but that he believes the team still has a great set of skills to work with when it comes to making Drysdale the best player he can be.
Drysdale’s skill set—highlighted by his skating, puck-moving ability, and vision—makes him an ideal candidate for the modern NHL defenseman archetype. But translating those skills into consistent, high-level performance takes time, particularly at one of hockey’s most difficult positions.
“It takes time at that position; it’s such a hard position to play,” Tortorella explained.
Encouraging Offensive Creativity
One of the most significant changes Drysdale faces under Tortorella’s guidance is the emphasis on activating offensively.
In Anaheim, his responsibilities may have leaned more conservatively, but Tortorella envisions Drysdale as an offensive catalyst for the Flyers.
“I’m not talking about defensive[ly], because I don’t think that’s gonna be his game in the National Hockey League,” he said. “I want him up the ice. I want him to rove,…