Photo Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin- USA Today
Chuck Fletcher did a great job at the 2019 NHL Draft with drafting for the future, with the looming expansion draft on his mind. Enter the 14th overall pick in a Left-Handed Defenseman in Cam York. York was regarded by some as the second best defensive prospect in the draft behind Bowen Byram.
In year’s past the Flyers relied heavily on Head Scout Chris Pryor, and the drafting guru in Ron Hextall for overall success during the draft. Gone are those days, as the Flyers had a new chief in charge of the draft, newly crowned General Manager Chuck Fletcher.
York was born on January 5, 2001, in Anaheim Hills, CA. Many wouldn’t think California would be known as a hockey area, however, York found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey at a very young age. His passion for the game found himself playing for the USNTDP in the USHL for the 2018-19 season. At the young age of 18, he registered 7 goals, and 26 assists for a total of 33 points in 28 games played.
York is a good skater, has a good keen hockey sense, as he anticipates plays well. His vision compliments his reads off forechecks, which allows for a crisp tape to tape pass. York’s been doing this all year when he’s been healthy with the University of Michigan hockey program. Michigan Hockey is no joke, they play against some 24 and 25-year-old players, and against stiff competition.
The California native in York, utilizes his speed well, and does well to create gaps in both the defensive and offensive zones. He has a quick release, which keeps goalies guessing, and his passing ability ranks off the charts. Simply put, Fletcher found a replacement in the future if the Flyers lose a defenseman to the expansion draft, following the 2020-21 season.
“I can bring offense, and I’m responsible in my own end. It’s a great opportunity that I’ve been given here. I’m playing close to 30 minutes a game, and on the Power Play. I have confidence, and I’m playing well.”
The young prospect in York continued, “I love working on my skating that was one of my goals to improve from last year, was my skating. It’s going well, trying to get more power, and that goes with my skating.”
This 19-year-old, young prospect in York knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him. Moreover, he worked very hard in the off-season, and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2019-20 season. For the season, he has registered 4 goals, and 7 assists for a total of 11 points in 18 games played. One thing a player cannot plan for is injuries. York unfortunately battled some injuries earlier in the season for Michigan, and quite frankly fought through some of it too:
“I had a high ankle sprain, and shoulder injury. Both are pretty much gone now, and this is personally the best I have felt all year. Just want to become physically dominant when you play against grown men, have to become physically more mature. I’m just trying to move forward, and improve my game.”
Hopefully, York continues to mold himself into a fine hockey hockey player. His unselfish attitude cannot be taught, and York can pay huge dividends for the Flyers in the future. He left the interview discussing a possible ELC (Entry Level Contract):
“I haven’t thought much about it right now. I’ll talk to the Philadelphia Staff at Developmental Camp, and go from there. Honestly, just haven’t thought much about it.”
Anne-Marie, Cam York has great skills and a great attitude. He sees the ice and knows where to go with the puck. Sadly, York is way too small to ever play in the NHL. I know he’s listed at 6’0’’ inches tall and 175lbs, but anyone who sees him up close can tell he’s closer to 5’10’-5’11” tall and maybe 160lbs. His upper body size and skinny legs are never going to withstand the punishment of the AHL, let alone the NHL. Don’t get me wrong, I really like Cam York, but size does matter in order to play NHL hockey. If you are York’s size on D, your days are numbered. One crushing check from a 6’2” 215lb forward will put Cam in La La Land and as we have seen with Shayne Gostisbehere, a few nasty check into the boards can effect a small defenseman’s play when retrieving the puck.
Speaking of small players, Chuck Fletcher seems to love them. His second pick in the draft, Bobby Brink, is even smaller than Cam York. Maybe Fletcher loves watching the “Mights on Ice” between periods and is trying to turn the Flyers into just that..-Gregg Lorenz. Bucks County Pa.
Gregg,
Anne-Marie was the photo credit. I (Jamey Baskow) wrote it. In any sense, he knows he has to build muscle. This young man is one of the best prospects in the system right now. York is so good, and he’s shown that against 24 and 25 year old players this year in Michigan. Thanks for the read.
Where’s my post?
The skill is the most important aspect in young defenders progress, because if he knows how to defend also, and not be just offensive like Ghost, then the strength will be the easier part to improve to his game! I really hope that Cam York can be in future as good as Roman Josi is or Miro Heiskanen! And we should trade or draft larger right handed defense-man to partner York, so the size will not become issue! We should first try to trade some core player to Detroit for their great young defender Moritz Seider, but i think Ycerman considers Seider untouchable, witch is a real pity, because with Seider we would been set in defense long term! So Chucky you should draft Czech defense-man Kubicek next summer, because i scouted him for us in world juniors! He is big right shooting defender, who could partner York in future! Kubicek was a while ago number 106 in central scouting site, so Chucky draft him in firth round, if you can!
Brogan Lafferty has broken out this season in AHL for Vancouver”s farm team with great success, and while he is already 24 years old, everybody develops a different way and pace! So Chucky you should even try to kick tires on him, and ask for his price, because we are in need of young good sized right shooting defenders! Although he is currently injured, but still!