Jamie Drysdale, the 23-year-old defenseman for the Flyers, is indeed having a strong start to the 2025-26 NHL season. Acquired in a controversial trade from the Anaheim Ducks in January 2024 (in exchange for Cutter Gauthier and a 2025 second-round pick), Drysdale has silenced many critics with his play.
He’s logging top-pairing minutes (often 20+ per game) alongside Travis Sanheim, quarterbacking the Power Play, and showing marked improvement in both offensive and defensive contributions compared to his injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign (where he managed just 10 points in 52 games). Drysdale has appeared in all 22 games for the Flyers, who sit at 11-6-3.
These numbers put him on track to exceed his career-high 32 points from 2021-22 with Anaheim. Advanced analytics highlight his two-way reliability: he’s generating 55%+ shot shares at even strength and has been a key driver in the Flyers’ improved possession game under new Head Coach Rick Tocchet. Tocchet has been vocal in his praise, calling Drysdale “one of the best players” after a November 23 win and noting his growth during training camp.
Drysdale has been “really good this season,” with standout games like his defensive awareness against an arch rival in the New Jersey Devils. He made a beautiful save in the third period, that prevented the Devils from getting within one score.
The Gauthier trade still draws heat from Ducks fans, but Drysdale’s resurgence has Flyers supporters viewing this trade as not a bust. Drysdale continues to prove his naysayers wrong, and that’s mainly due to him being healthy.
If he stays healthy—his contract runs through this season at a $2.3M cap hit—he could be in line for a big extension as a Restricted Free Agent in 2026. The Flyers face Tampa Bay tonight (November 24), where he’ll look to build on his momentum.
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