It’s no secret that the Flyers defense has been a problem in recent years, this one being no exception. One bright spot has been the young Swede, Emil Andrae. While the points aren’t there yet, registering only one in 5 games, his presence has been very well known. 

Andrae made his NHL debut last season, playing only four games. He didn’t necessarily impress anybody during those games. After spending the majority of the year with Lehigh Valley and a strong camp, he’s finally showing his potential. 

As I said earlier, the points aren’t quite piling up, but it’s his physicality and vision of the ice that is keeping the 22 year old in the lineup. He looks to be more defensively sound than some of the other rotating pieces on the roster. As he continues to grow into a NHL caliber defenseman,  the point total will grow. For now, let’s just enjoy the defensive production he’s giving this team. 

While there aren’t many bright spots so far this year, this is one we should all be excited for. To me, he reminds me of Kimmo Timonen. His skating, his vision, his defensive ability for a smaller player. It’s all there. If we’re lucky, he can become a player of Timonen’s caliber. Only time will tell. 

Photo creds:

Philadelphia Inquirer/ Eric Hartline Images/ AP

-Moss Schiano/ Olde City Sports Network