The Philadelphia Flyers made a big move last season, trading former top prospect Cutter Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a 2025 second-round pick. Gauthier was unwilling to sign with the Flyers, so the G.M. Daniel Briere used it to sign a promising young defenseman and a solid draft pick.
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Drysdale’s start with the Flyers was rough, as he recorded two goals, three assists and a minus-18 rating in 24 games. He also missed 16 games following an upper-body injury suffered on February 25 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Overall, it was a rough way for Drysdale to start his tenure in Philadelphia, but the new season presents a fresh start for the 2020 sixth overall pick.
Drysdale is entering the season fresh, having undergone surgery in April to repair a sports hernia that he played in throughout the campaign. He is expected to be ready for the start of the 2024-25 season and has the potential to excel greatly because of it.
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At 22, Drysdale still has plenty of time to reach his full potential. He has already shown promise at the NHL level, scoring four goals and 32 points in 81 games with the Ducks in 2021-22. If he stays healthy, he undoubtedly has the potential to break current career highs in 2024-25.
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The Flyers will give Drysdale the opportunity to succeed. Looking at the current depth chart, he has a good chance of being in the top four and on his power play. So, if Drysdale can avoid the injury problem this year, he could have an excellent season for Philadelphia.
It will be intriguing to see what kind of season Drysdale puts together from here, but there should be a lot of optimism surrounding the former OHL star. He has the tools to become a crucial part of the Flyers’ core as they continue their rebuild.
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