Jamie Drysdale, the 23-year-old Right-Handed Defenseman for the Flyers, is indeed poised for a potential breakout in the 2025-26 NHL season. After a 2024-25 season where he recorded seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 70 games, there’s optimism around his development. His performance was a step forward from the injury-plagued 2023-24 season, where he managed only 10 points in 34 games split between the Anaheim Ducks and Flyers. However, his minus-32 rating and inconsistent production last season highlight areas for improvement.
Drysdale’s smooth skating, puck-moving ability, and offensive instincts make him a candidate to take a significant leap this season. For starters, he’s finally healthy, and has had a full offseason of proper training. His opportunity to quarterback the Flyers’ top Power Play unit in 2025-26 could be a game-changer, especially after the team experimented with five forwards on the top unit last season. A full, healthy season—something he’s struggled with due to injuries like his 2024 sports hernia surgery—could see him approach or exceed his career high 32 points from 2021-22 with the Ducks.
The Flyers’ rebuild hinges partly on Drysdale stepping up as a top-pairing defenseman alongside players like Cam York. There is growing confidence in his health and readiness, with some calling him a “project” whose development is now bearing fruit. However, his defensive play needs refinement, as his minus-93 career rating suggests. If he stays healthy and secures consistent top-four minutes, projections estimate he could hit 25-30 points, with upside for more if he capitalizes on Power Play opportunities.
His injury history and the Flyers’ overall team struggles (33-39-10 last season) could cap his output. Still, the consensus leans toward Drysdale being a key piece for Philadelphia, with his contract (cap hit $2.3M through 2025-26) providing value if he delivers. Keep an eye on his role in Training Camp and early season usage under new Head Coach Rick Tocchet to gauge his trajectory.
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Drysdale needs to put on 20 pounds in muscle. He doesn’t have the strength to take hits from bigger, stronger forwards. Odds are he’ll get “hurt” again this year, as he does every year.