Flyers’ defenseman Cam York is indeed starting the 2025-26 NHL season on injured reserve (IR) due to a lower-body injury sustained during Training Camp. The injury was first reported on October 6, 2025, by Flyers General Manager Danny Briere, who described it as “a little bit of a lower-body issue” and initially labeled York as day-to-day.
By the end of the day, York was officially placed on IR, making him unavailable for at least the season opener on October 9 against the Florida Panthers (and potentially longer, as the timeline remains unclear—Briere noted it could be “two days” or “two weeks”). Quick Background on York and the Injury
- Player Profile: The 24-year-old (born Jan. 5, 2001) was the Flyers’ first-round pick (14th overall) in 2019. He’s a left-shot defenseman known for his mobility, puck-moving ability, and two-way play. Last season (2024-25), he appeared in 66 games, posting four goals, 13 assists, and 17 points while averaging 21:30 TOI and logging heavy defensive minutes (126 blocks, 60 hits). cbssports.com He recently signed a five-year, $25.75M extension ($5.15M AAV) in July 2025, locking him in as a cornerstone of Philly’s blue line through 2029-30. dailyfaceoff.com
- Injury Details: It’s a lower-body issue (unspecified further), and York missed practice on October 6. No surgery or long-term concerns have been mentioned, but the exact cause (e.g., Training Camp tweak) isn’t detailed in reports.
Impact on the Flyers
Head coach Rick Tocchet called the defense a “committee” until York returns, meaning more rotation on the left side. It’s A massive loss on the back end, especially considering he was one of the best defensemen at camp.
To fill the gap:
- Short-Term Fill-Ins: Noah Juulsen, Dennis Gilbert, Egor Zamula, and Adam Ginning are expected to see expanded roles. Gilbert (who cleared waivers on October 5) will stick with the NHL club instead of heading to AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
- Roster Adjustment: The Flyers submitted their 23-man opening roster on October 6, with York on IR creating cap flexibility (his $5.15M hit is off the books temporarily). Recent trade acquisition Carl Grundstrom is headed to the Phantoms, while Artem Guryev will join him from there, as well.
The blue line was already thin, sort of speak, with no depth defensemen claiming a spot. It’s really perplexing that no one has stood out, depth wise, defensively. Ethan Samson got hurt In the second pre-season game, and he may have been able to crack the opening night lineup.
Updates are expected as the week progresses—keep an eye on Flyers practices Tuesday/Wednesday.
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