One of the biggest stories this past season was when the Flyers acquired defenseman Jamie Drysdale from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Cutter Gauthier. With a drama-filled season, one of the more wholesome moments was when defenseman Cam York expressed his excitement for his friend (Drysdale) to play with him on the same team. When the news broke, York said, “I texted him (Drysdale) immediately. Him and Trevor Zegras texted me so kinda came out of nowhere, but glad he’s here.”
Flyers fans went wild over the fact that Ducks superstar Trevor Zegras is good friends with York and Drysdale. Rumors began to fly off the wall about whether Zegras would come to Philadelphia due to his contract expiring soon in Anaheim. Zegras becomes an RFA in the 2026-2027 season, which isn’t too far away.
I spoke to Drysdale in February, and he touched on his friendships in Anaheim, “ You build good friendships throughout your first couple of years as a team. You have guys who took you under their wing. There are a handful of guys there that I’m close with and miss.” While friendships aren’t reasons to go after a certain player, it definitely helps in addition to how talented Zegras is.
With nothing happening so far this off-season, it’s safe to say this will be a conversation for a different day. However, the dynamic duo between York and Drysdale is something that will help with the team’s defense this upcoming season. Whenever a team has good chemistry off the ice, it results in even better results on the ice. The two best friends were paired together last season behind the blue line and have spent a lot of time together this off-season.
There is no doubt that it made the transition from Anaheim to Philadelphia easier having York. Despite the fact that Drysdale was out due to injury, he looks to have a big season ahead.
