What compliments cannot be said about Yegor Zamula at this point. He is so impressive, and continues to lead you to question how he went undrafted. Remind you of another Flyers defenseman? That other defensemen of course, is current Flyers budding potential future All-Star Philippe Myers. Well just like Myers, Zamula is oozing with talent and potential. He also might be a black ace for the team in training camp this year, and is likely to see time in at least the exhibition or round robin if not the playoffs itself.Â
Originally, I was concerned about him playing at least a little since he is coming off of major back surgery. Plus, it is always good to air on the side of caution. However, since seeing video of him in camp, and how well he looks especially, key word is moving loosely on the ice and does not seem to be holding back at all. Therefore, this has rightfully alleviated my concerns. Of course, this is only the first few days of camp but, the only questions pertaining to Zamula, were concern of him jumping right in a NHL postseason from major back surgery because it sure as heck wasn’t skill and talent. As our great fans know he has all the skill and talent in the world. Furthermore, with the video we have seen of him working with our strength and conditioning coaches on power play movements let alone regular five on five movements looked so silky smooth. Moreover, that fully alleviated my concerns on if he was still battling back from the injury at all. Zamula looks fully healthy and a fully healthy Zamula should be a major, yes major black ace for this team for sure.Â
Zamula prior to his injury this season, was playing at another level at a points per game pace. He finished with exactly 28 points in 28 games played. Zamula had 7 goals and 21 assists to make up that total. This is coming after a season where he took the WHL by storm with the Calgary Hitmen in 2018-19. He had 10 goals and 46 helpers for a total of 56 points in 61 total games played. What might shock you is these are not even the most impressive feats of his short career so far. No, that feat was having a hell of a World Junior’s performance for world class talent Russia. As our very own Chris Maher stated on my True Philadelphians Sports Cast podcast, Zamula was the best player for Russia in that tournament to help lead them to capture the silver medal and he is spot on. Zamula was efficient on both ends on the ice in the WJC-20 Championship. He was a main QB on the power play while stepping up in his own end as well, at different key moments in this year World Junior Championships amassing five points in seven games played. He had two goals, and five assists to reach that total.Â
Wrapping up, Zamula is another hidden gem found by Flyers former General Manager Ron Hextall. He plays an efficient two-way game while having the potential to be a great quarterback of the power play in this league. Again, what more could you ask for especially in someone undrafted. The Flyers scouting department showed up and showed out finding Zamula just like they found Myers undrafted, who already looks like a top four NHL defenseman. That’s exactly the high hopes this organization and fan base has for Zamula and let me tell ya he has more than enough talent to live up to those calls. Cannot wait to see this kid out on the ice in a live pro game likely in the exhibition or round robin. He is a potential high level difference maker (secret weapon) coming into this postseason. Either way whether his career starts this postseason or not, Zamula is slated to be a defensive difference maker for our Orange and Black for years to come. So all that’s left to say is LET’S GO FLYERS!!!!! Our Cup Contenders are almost back in game action!!Â
Below you can see highlights of Zamula from the World Juniors, as well as, his time with the Calgary Hitmen. Also one video is Flyers Nitty’s very own Chris Maher with his breakdown of Zamula on his YouTube FlyersFanMania93. Check him out if you haven’t done so already. Stay tuned for my Video coming out on Zamula via our Flyers Nitty Gritty YouTube Channel, as well.
Joe, I don’t know if many Flyer fans remember that Zamula actually played in a Flyer’s pre-season game after he signed as an 18 year old. He actually played well in that game and was pretty impressive on defense. He may be one of the few players who was never drafted and actually played in a pre -season game. Ron Hextall rarely gave 18 year olds that opportunity,
The other thing that Yegor Zamula has is an extremely long reach. With the long stick and long arms, he can disrupt puck movement by blocking passing lanes.
As Zamula grows into his tall frame, he will be fun to watch. He’s physical and the most interesting thing we should know is that Ivan Provorov should make him better. What a pair young Russian dynamos to watch for years to come. Gregg L, Morrisville Pa
Hi Gregg Thanks so much for the Reply and support. I agree that was a surprise when it happened that he got that chance that young un drafted in the preseason but it just goes to show how much he was liked from the jump and of course due to work ethic he continues to grow each and every year. Love the Analysis man wonderful stuff. I agree this kid is going to be a marvel to watch because he already is; so as you said imagine how good he will be when he fully grows into that frame when hes already amazing now. Thanks again for the reply and support. Have a marvelous day.
Thanks Joe, I really love the kids Ron a Hextall and Chris Pryor found in the five years they were here. The Flyers rarely hit on more than one or two kids in any draft, but Hextall found at least 25-30 potential NHL players in the draft and signing up drafted gems. Zamula is a true Uncut diamond. He’s what, twenty years old? Unbelievable. Thanks for the story on this kid. I was wondering how he was healing too, from his back surgery. Looks like he will be ok. Gregg Lorenz
Hi Gregg your very welcome thanks for the great compliments and analysis great stuff. I agree Hexy and Pryor went off during their time here to make our system the great minor league system it is today. And yes your correct Zamula is only 20 so imagine how good he will he with how good he is already. Love the gems as u said this organization has found undrafted or in later rounds.