Rick Tocchet, the Flyers’ new Head Coach (hired in May 2025 after John Tortorella’s firing), has indeed been experimenting with defensive pairings during the early days of training camp at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, N.J. Travis Sanheim, the team’s top left-shot defenseman and a key piece of their blue line, has been a focal point of those discussions—particularly around whether he’ll stick to his traditional left-side role or shift to the right to optimize the pairings.
- Sanheim’s Versatility: Sanheim, 29, is a lefty who has occasionally played the right side in the past but is primarily a left-side player. Tocchet, drawing from his time as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off (where Sanheim impressed alongside elite defenders), has praised his mobility, puck-moving ability, and two-way game. At his introductory presser, Tocchet called Sanheim “high-level stuff” and a potential “front-line defenseman.”
- Pairing Experiments: With right-shot veteran Rasmus Ristolainen sidelined by injury, Tocchet is shuffling the deck. Sanheim has been paired with left-shot Cam York (who just signed a five-year, $25.75M extension) in early drills, but Tocchet has hinted at splitting them up to let York “carry his own pair.” This could push Sanheim to the right side, potentially alongside young righty Jamie Drysdale or a prospect like Helge Grans, to balance the handedness (Tocchet prefers three lefties and three righties on the Defense corps).
- The “Maybe Not” Factor: As of September 23, 2025 (just two days ago), Tocchet hasn’t locked in Sanheim’s side. In a post-practice interview, he said: “I think he’s good enough to play both. I’d like to talk to him first, to see what he’s comfortable with—I think that’s important as a coach to have that dialogue with him.” Sanheim himself echoed the uncertainty after a scrimmage, noting he has “no idea” about his partner or side for opening night on October 9 vs. the New Jersey Devils. This collaborative approach marks a shift from Tortorella’s more rigid style, with players like Sanheim appreciating the “fresh air” and open communication.
Potential Lineup Implications if Tocchet does move Sanheim to the right:
- Top Pair: Sanheim (RD) – Cam York (LD) could become a shutdown-mobile duo, freeing York from heavy minutes with Sanheim.
- Second Pair: Something like Jamie Drysdale (RD) – maybe a lefty like Emil Andrae (LD), depending on who wins the job.
- Why It Might Not Happen: Sanheim’s comfort level matters, and forcing a switch could disrupt chemistry. Plus, with Ristolainen’s return timeline unclear, Tocchet might prioritize stability on the left while auditioning right-side options like Drysdale (who’s in a “deciding season” after injury setbacks).
Overall, this feels like a coin flip right now, with Tocchet’s player-first philosophy keeping things fluid. Sanheim’s been sharp in camp (e.g., laying big hits and running the second PP unit), so wherever he lands, expect him logging top-pair minutes around 22-23 per game.
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