Emil Andrae Seizing Alternative To Show His Place With Flyers

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October 31, 2024

When Cam York landed on the Injured Reserve, there was a looming query for the Philadelphia Flyers: who would fill his footwear on protection? The reply got here within the type of 22-year-old Swedish defenseman Emil Andrae, who was known as up from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to make his mark within the NHL. And make his mark he has.

Andrae has not solely performed a gradual, dependable recreation but additionally injected power and offensive grit into the Flyers’ blue line. In simply a few video games, together with a formidable outing towards the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, he confirmed he isn’t right here to merely fill a spot—he is right here to depart a long-lasting impression.

Andrae’s impression was felt early within the recreation, and his effort culminated in his first NHL level, an help on Tyson Foerster’s objective. His play was the type that Flyers followers may simply develop accustomed to if he continues at this degree.

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He additionally did not shrink back from the bodily facet of the sport, both. Throughout a feisty altercation with Matthew Poitras, he discovered himself within the thick of a scrum (together with a pointy punch to Poitras’ chin), displaying a willingness to face up for himself and no hesitation to point out some grit when confronted.

Andrae’s robust play towards the Bruins was no shock to those that adopted his preseason performances. Throughout coaching camp, he persistently turned heads together with his sharp decision-making and puck-moving capacity, catching the eye of followers and coaches alike. However the group’s depth on protection meant he was despatched to AHL to develop additional.

Since then, it appears to be like as if he is taken each lesson from coaching camp and his time with the Phantoms, integrating them into his recreation to turn out to be a extra full participant.

Now, with York briefly sidelined, Andrae has seized the chance with each fingers. His poise and maturity on the ice belie his age, and he brings an offensive upside to the Flyers desperately want. Identified for his slick skating and spectacular hockey IQ, Andrae has a eager understanding of when to leap into the play and when to hold again, making him a stabilizing presence for his teammates.

A big a part of Andrae’s attraction is his capacity to remain calm within the warmth of the second—a top quality that stood out towards a tricky, relentless Bruins squad that has been a notoriously difficult opponent for the Flyers.

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© Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Photographs

His fast decision-making led to Foerster’s objective, a second that solidified Andrae as having the true potential to be greater than only a stopgap. It is clear that he has an intuitive sense for the move of the sport, discovering the fitting alternatives to create offense whereas sustaining a sound defensive presence.

His willingness to have interaction bodily is equally promising. Although not the largest participant on the ice, Andrae has no qualms about throwing himself into the motion, as evidenced by his spirited involvement in his altercation with Poitras. It was a transfer that proved he is right here to play Flyers hockey, even when it means stepping right into a skirmish with top-flight gamers. Andrae is as powerful as he’s expert, and that mix of grit and finesse may make him a vital a part of the Flyers’ defensive core.

Andrae’s robust play has sparked an attention-grabbing debate inside the Flyers group. With Egor Zamula nonetheless struggling to search out consistency on the NHL degree, it is cheap to debate whether or not Andrae may probably take his place, not less than briefly.

Zamula has proven flashes of expertise, however his performances have usually left one thing to be desired. Whereas he has the dimensions and uncooked potential, Andrae’s capacity to learn the sport and play with confidence would possibly give him the sting.

The Flyers are in a rebuilding section, one which’s as a lot about creating their younger gamers as it’s about profitable video games. A participant like Andrae, who exhibits each promise and polish, might be a significant asset as they construct a brand new identification. His offensive upside, mixed together with his bodily play, makes him a compelling candidate for an prolonged stick with the Flyers. Head coach John Tortorella is probably going watching his progress intently, weighing the advantages of Andrae’s presence towards Zamula’s present contributions.

Actually comfortable for Emil Andrae to get his first NHL level on Tyson Foerster’s objective. He had an ideal camp this yr and has tailored properly since his call-up after Cam York went on the IR. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see what the #LetsGoFlyers do with him if he continues enjoying properly.

— Siobhan Nolan (@SGNolan) October 30, 2024

For now, Andrae is doing every thing proper. He is profiting from his call-up, proving to himself, his crew, and the followers that he has what it takes to compete on the NHL degree. His efficiency towards the Bruins may be only the start of what Andrae can carry to the Flyers if given the possibility. And so long as he continues to construct on this momentum, Philadelphia’s entrance workplace could have some powerful choices to make.

With a protracted season nonetheless in entrance of them, the Flyers want consistency and resilience on their blue line—qualities Andrae has already proven in abundance. In only one recreation, he is given followers and coaches loads of causes to imagine that he may be a major a part of the crew’s future. If he continues to impress, Emil Andrae could discover himself a everlasting dwelling in Philadelphia.