Jamie Drysdale has been widely regarded as one of the most improved players—if not the most improved—on the Flyers this season (2025-26).
Drysdale, the former sixth overall pick acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in the Cutter Gauthier trade in January 2024, has battled injuries in prior years, limiting his impact after joining Philly. Last season (2024-25), he recorded seven goals and 20 points in 70 games, with a tough -32 rating and inconsistent play due to health issues. This year, he’s shown clear progress:
- He’s already surpassed or matched his previous point total in fewer games (23 points in 53 games).
- He’s logging top-four minutes (around 20:00 ATOI), anchoring pairings, and excelling in advanced metrics like expected goals (xG) share, helping the Flyers control 55-60% of shot attempts when he’s on the ice.
- Offensive flashes include recent goals (e.g., a game-tying goal against Ottawa, a Power Play winner against Washington to snap a drought), better puck-moving, skating poise, and Power Play quarterbacking potential.
- Drysdale has improved his two-way play and has much more confidence post-health recovery.
Drysdale has emerged as one of the Flyers’ top Defensemen, and has been quiet force in the rebuild. His point-per-game rate has jumped noticeably (from ~0.28 to ~0.42 in some tracked stretches).
While the Flyers remain in rebuild mode, Drysdale’s development is a bright spot. He may even earn a new contract by the trade deadline, at least that’s what I’m hearing potentially.
As of early February 2026, if the season ended now, Drysdale would be a strong candidate for the team’s internal “Most Improved” nod—something highlighted by many. His health has been the key difference, turning him into a reliable, dynamic blueliner Philly desperately needs.
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