Emil Andrae, the 23-year-old Swedish defenseman for the Flyers (drafted 54th overall in 2020), is absolutely on fire this 2025-26 NHL season and proving he’s too good to shuttle back to the AHL. In 19 games, he’s notched one goal and six assists for seven points (0.37 PPG pace), a +5 rating (tops among Flyers D), and is averaging 17:03 TOI—often on the second pair with Jamie Drysdale.
That’s a massive leap from last year’s 42 games (1G, 6A, -5), where he fought for consistency.
After starting the year in Lehigh Valley (5 assists in 7 games played), he was recalled in late October and hasn’t looked back. Flyers’ Head Coach Rick Tocchet has raved: “He’s got some swagger… not afraid to make plays,” and after a strong showing vs. the Colorado Avalanche on December 7, “He skated, he didn’t hesitate… good step for Emil.”
The Flyers are 11-6-2 with him in the lineup (5-0-2 earlier streak), and he’s been pivotal in comebacks—like key assists vs. Blues/Panthers and a near-goal vs. Devils. Andrae himself channeled that fire after camp: “I was pissed… but I’m going to prove you guys wrong.”
Mission accomplished—he’s forcing his way into a permanent NHL role.
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