Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
A young 22-year-old Flyers prospect Emil Andrae was the Captain of Team Sweden for a reason at the WJC in 2022. Andrae is a 200 foot player, that is as fast as they come, plus he has a blistering shot. He can play in any situation the coaching staff asks of him, and that became evident when he made the Flyers roster on opening night. Andrae has shown flashes of being a very good defenseman in the future, and he proved that once again after a great game against the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.
Andrae needs a bit more seasoning and growth, true, but he is proving that he is viable to be a top 4 pairing defenseman. He’s only 22-years-old, look at all he has accomplished thus far in his short professional career. He played 25:41 on Monday, against some of the top lines for the Sharks.
“He played good. Played some big minutes against their top line,” Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella said. For his efforts, Andrae garnered the second most time in the game, only his teammates. Travis Sanheim played more minutes.
A young 22-year-old in Andrae plays a bit physical, believe it or not even with his size. He logs minutes, and can be trusted in all facets of the game. Andrae appeared to be timid at times in his initial recall, or rushed to make a play at times. This was all evident that he is a young defenseman that will have some growing pains. However, this was to be expected from a young defenseman, and it shows growth in his game to make mistakes and bounce back from them. John Tortorella has said on multiple occasions that he makes mistakes, but he doesn’t get scared to make the right play shortly thereafter. There’s a lot of potential with Andrae, and he has been playing very well since.
He only stands at 5’9 and only weighs 176 pounds, but he is still a talented left-handed shot defenseman that is not afraid to get physical. Andrae suckered punched a Bruin a few weeks ago, showing that he is not afraid to get feisty. “Such a smart player, I’m really excited to see him with some NHL players,” Brent Flahr said of Andrae following the completion of Developmental Camp. “To me he’s pretty close. If it was my choice he would be here.”
What is most impressive about Andrae is his intelligence, and that is why he was signed by the Flyers.
“He’s a good player, super skilled. A nice guy off the ice too.” – Elliot Desnoyers said following Developmental Camp
That was then, and this is now. Andrae rightfully received some praise from Phantoms Head Coach Ian Laperrière following a rookie game in September, “Andrae doesn’t change his style of play because they go after him,” Laperrière said. “They know he’s the best defenseman out there, and he’s used to it. I’m sure all his life he’s dealt with that.” Earlier in camp Laperrière said, “He’s not a big guy, he’s thick but he’s not tall. Moves the puck well, and he’s got a heck of a shot. His biggest quality is he competes, he wants to be the guy.”
Andrae’s a smart hockey player and he showcases that along the boards. He makes quick decisive decisions to get the puck out of his own zone, and he is very good with breakouts. Andrae is also good with leading the rush up the ice, and this should make the Flyers top brass happy. The orange and black have struggled for the past few years with their Defensemen and breakouts. In addition, his ability to win puck races is something that separates him from the current of defensemen for the orange and black. It appears he rarely loses a puck battle.
“He’s full of life and makes plays,” Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella said last week at the completion of a game. It appears that Tortorella is very happy with Andrae’s play, for good reason. He is always in a position to make the right play, and his gap control has been impeccable.
“He’s full of life and makes plays.”– Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella said last week at the completion of a game.
Now is the time for Andrae. Andrae should stay with the Flyers for good, even when Cam York returns from injury, is possibly as early as this weekend. He is playing top pairing minutes for a reason with Travis Sanheim.
“He’s got some talent. The plays he’s making,” Travis Konecny said following the game.
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