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Your Philadelphia Flyers were rocking before the Coronavirus hit, a d halted the season. They sat in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points, and for their efforts, the Flyers were rocking due to the solid play of one player in particular Travis Sanheim.
Sanheim was back to his old form of razzling and dazzling between defenders, but playing well defensively, as well before the suspension, “Today was my second day on the ice, it was awesome,” Sanheim said, “We have unfinished business here, we got a good team here. The playoffs it’s going to be exciting.” It’s great to hear how confident he is these days given the situation.
The young 23-year-old, 6’3″ 181 pound, Sanheim entered the 2018-19 season with one goal in mind, improve from last year. In his first stint with the orange and black in 2017-18, Sanheim found himself in and out of the lineup at times. Fast forward to the 2018-19 season, and he became a permanent fixture on the Flyers blue line, emerging as one of the most consistent Defensemen that the Flyers had.
This young, gifted Defenseman in Sanheim has made the most of his NHL opportunity when he was given the chance to do so, and his new two-year contract of $6.50 million ($3.25 million AAV) is very much well deserved. For the 2018-19 season, Sanheim registered a solid nine goals, and 26 assists in 82 games played. Yes, he made some mistakes, however, Sanheim was phenomenal for the most part. Sanheim had a Corsi rating of 49.5% (EV) on the season, and finallllllly from the Lord’s prayers Sanheim registered approximately 21:55 ATOI when Scott Gordon took over the helm, good enough for a whopping career-high total of 19:34 ATOI for the season.
Fast forward to the 2019-20 season, Sanheim has made his fair share of mistakes, but with that, his game has grown to where he is now a permanent fixture as a middle pairing defenseman. Good for him, as he has struggled at times this season, especially with a new defensive partner in Philippe Myers. However, Alain Vigneault thinks this pair has grown a lot, and really developed some chemistry, “I really like this pairing,” Vigneault said, “They have grown a lot, and have developed chemistry. We have asked a lot from them.”
Sanheim was fantastic before the suspension. He was in the passing lanes, his gap control was better, and Sanheim was just confident with the puck which were leading to quick zone exits. Moreover, for his efforts he is only one goal from his career high of nine. When the season reconvenes watch out for this Flyers team and Sanheim, “I built a make shift Gym in Brandon, and obviously helped out on the farm too,” Sanheim said, “We got a good mix here between the young and veterans. We are looking for a deep run here into the playoffs, and a chance to win it all.” Isn’t that some music to every Flyers fans ears.
That farm Sanheim talked about, well Travis worked his butt off with his brother Taylor, “It was awesome though. I don’t get too many opportunities to help out with the crops. For two weeks, I was on the tractor from 7 a.m. till dark. Just trying to help my family out as much as possible on the farm. My brother Taylor helped too. We have 1,500 acres.” Watch out Flyers fans, a Travis Sanheim that is confident is a deadly one.
Sainheim is surprisingly soft for defender his size!
Thanks for the read
Have known Travis since he was a young kid . Outstanding potential, great skater and moves the puck well. Toughness isn’t his forte and never was . He can clear the front of the net and what more can you ask for