When Cam York landed on the Injured Reserve, there was a looming question for the Philadelphia Flyers: who would fill his shoes on defense? The answer came in the form of 22-year-old Swedish defenseman Emil Andrae, who was called up from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to make his mark in the NHL. And make his mark he has.
Andrae has not only played a steady, reliable game but also injected energy and offensive grit into the Flyers’ blue line. In just a couple of games, including an impressive outing against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, he showed he’s not here to merely fill a gap—he’s here to leave a lasting impression.
Andrae’s impact was felt early in the game, and his effort culminated in his first NHL point, an assist on Tyson Foerster’s goal. His play was the kind that Flyers fans could easily grow accustomed to if he continues at this level.
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He also didn’t shy away from the physical side of the game, either. During a feisty altercation with Matthew Poitras, he found himself in the thick of a scrum (including a sharp punch to Poitras’ chin), displaying a willingness to stand up for himself and no hesitation to show some grit when confronted.
Andrae’s strong play against the Bruins was no surprise to those who followed his preseason performances. During training camp, he consistently turned heads with his sharp decision-making and puck-moving ability, catching the attention of fans and coaches alike. But the organization’s depth on defense meant he was sent to AHL to develop further.
Since then, it looks as though he’s taken every lesson from training camp and his time with the Phantoms, integrating them into his game to become a more complete player.
Now, with York temporarily sidelined, Andrae has seized the opportunity with both hands. His poise and maturity on the ice belie his age, and he brings an offensive upside to the Flyers desperately need. Known for his slick skating and impressive hockey IQ, Andrae has a keen understanding of when to jump into the play and when to hang back, making him a stabilizing presence for his teammates.
A large part of Andrae’s appeal is his ability to stay calm in the heat of the moment—a quality that stood out against a tough, relentless Bruins squad that has been a notoriously challenging opponent for the Flyers.
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His quick decision-making led to Foerster’s goal, a moment that solidified Andrae as having the real potential to be more than just a stopgap. It’s clear that he has an intuitive sense for the flow of the game, finding the right opportunities to create offense while maintaining a sound defensive presence.
His willingness to engage physically is equally promising. Though not the biggest player on the ice, Andrae has no qualms about throwing himself into the action, as evidenced by his spirited involvement in his altercation with Poitras. It was a move that proved he’s here to play Flyers hockey, even if it means stepping into a skirmish with top-flight players. Andrae is as tough as he is skilled, and that blend of grit and finesse could make him a crucial part of the Flyers’ defensive core.
Andrae’s strong play has sparked an interesting debate within the Flyers organization. With Egor Zamula still struggling to find consistency at the NHL level, it’s reasonable to debate whether Andrae could potentially take his place, at least temporarily.
Zamula has shown flashes of talent, but his performances have often left something to be desired. While he has the size and raw potential, Andrae’s ability to read the game and play with confidence might give him the edge.
The Flyers are in a rebuilding phase, one that’s as much about developing their young players as it is about winning games. A player like Andrae, who shows both promise and polish, could be a vital asset as they build a new identity. His offensive upside, combined with his physical play, makes him a compelling candidate for an extended stay with the Flyers. Head coach John Tortorella is likely watching his progress closely, weighing the benefits of Andrae’s presence against Zamula’s current contributions.
Really happy for Emil Andrae to get his first NHL point on Tyson Foerster’s goal. He had a great camp this year and has adapted well since his call-up after Cam York went on the IR. It’ll be interesting to see what the #LetsGoFlyers do with him if he continues playing well.
— Siobhan Nolan (@SGNolan) October 30, 2024
For now, Andrae is doing everything right. He’s making the most of his call-up, proving to himself, his team, and the fans that he has what it takes to compete at the NHL level. His performance against the Bruins might be just the beginning of what Andrae can bring to the Flyers if given the chance. And as long as he continues to build on this momentum, Philadelphia’s front office will have some tough decisions to make.
With a long season still in front of them, the Flyers need consistency and resilience on their blue line—qualities Andrae has already shown in abundance. In just one game, he’s given fans and coaches plenty of reasons to believe that he might be a significant part of the team’s future. If he continues to impress, Emil Andrae may just find himself a permanent home in Philadelphia.
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