Photo Credit: Zack Hill
Despite being 1-4 in the preseason, the Flyers have seen a few positives. For one, Morgan Frost has played well, assisting on three of the Flyers’ five goals in the exhibitions. The Cates brothers, Noah especially, seem to be locked into the opening night roster. The two Swedish goaltenders (Samuel Ersson and Felix Sandström), although Sandström is hurt, have played very well. Finally, Cam York has been all over the ice, playing top pair minutes without actually being on the top pair, and playing in all situations.
The amount of playing time Cam York has earned this preseason dates all the way back to July. A week after the Flyers took Cutter Gauthier fifth overall in the NHL Draft, York was elder statesman at Flyers’ Rookie Camp. When asked if he thought he should be at the camp despite playing 33 games in the NHL, and 30 last season, he said “I’m a rookie.”
York, now 21, is no longer a rookie. What he may be is the key to the Flyers blue line in 2022-23.
York was singled out by head coach John Tortorella during camp. Tortorella talked about York’s abilities and how they can get him in and out of trouble. On Sunday in Long Island, York played 25 minutes and registered three shots on goal, while blocking three shots.
One possible explanation for York playing that many minutes is the fact that Ivan Provorov did not play in the game. Provorov did not skate all weekend.
Another explanation is how the Flyers’ want to see more from York. Tortorella knows York has skills and abilities. The abilities are what allowed York to be drafted 14th overall in 2019. York flashed his potential as an offensive defenseman in his 30 games last year with three goals and six assists, a nine goal, 27-point pace over a full 82-game season.
The numbers might not jump off the screen, but York is still 21 and has so much room to grow. He will get a chance to play on the powerplay regularly this year, as Tortorella has stated that he will “play the kids.” In addition to the powerplay, York has shown his ability to play the right side, something he admitted he’d rather not do, but could get him top-four minutes, should any of Provorov, Tony DeAngelo, Travis Sanheim, or Rasmus Ristolainen have to miss time.
Another thing to consider here is the pending expiration of Travis Sanheim’s contract. Next summer he will be an unrestricted free-agent, meaning the Flyers will be at risk of losing him for nothing. If York can pop or find a consistent level of high play, it would lessen the blow of a potential Sanheim departure. Considering the Flyers are already in cap hell, letting Sanheim walk, although it would hurt the product on the ice, is something Chuck Fletcher has definitely thought about.
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Of course, for the team to be as strong as possible, rolling all three pairs that have a dynamic, puck-moving defenseman featured on all three, Sanheim simply has to be there. A left side of Provorov, Sanheim, and York is as strong as it gets in the NHL. Provorov is no doubt once again looking to bounce back from a down year, Sanheim is clearly a threat offensively, and York holds the key to the Flyers taking a big step forward defensively.
On the right side, DeAngelo’s offensive abilities are well-documented, and he is no doubt going to have a big part in the team’s offensive production. Ristolainen can afford to be a stay-at-home defender now due to the progress of Sanheim. On the third pair, Justin Braun is a solid presence for York. His defense-first play style will allow York to take some more risks and not have to worry as much about recovering if he is inevitably beat. York also talked during camp about how great a mentor and presence Braun had been for him last year before being traded to the New York Rangers.
