Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale had surgery on his abdomen in April to repair a sports hernia. The 22-year-old was ready to go for the first day of training camp and gave the rope test his best efforts. Drysdale has been a player associated with injuries, but hopefully, that is due to change.
Jamie Drysdale is ready for a new chapter in Philadelphia
The defenseman spoke about his health following his rehabbing this summer: “I feel good, honestly. Body’s feeling good for the first time in a while. So that’s something positive. Looking forward to a full 82 and going from there.”
It’s a good sign that Jamie Drysdale has this much confidence about playing the whole season. Last year, when the Anaheim Ducks and Flyers were split, he played 34 games. The only season where he nearly played all 82 was with Anaheim in 2021-2022, recording 81 games. Undoubtedly, the defenseman has been feeling frustrated, something he alluded to on Thursday:
“It’s not great knowing you can’t do what you want to do and can do.” Drysdale wasn’t feeling himself at all last season. There was also that added pressure put on the 22-year-old externally to be phenomenal immediately since the Flyers traded one of their top prospects, Cutter Gauthier, for him.
Jamie Drysdale was honest about his preparations for the upcoming season by giving us a glimpse of his summer.
“I would get here 7:30ish. I would spend an hour rehabbing mobility and soft tissue. Stuff like that is getting the body right. Go on the ice for an hour and skate, then lift for an hour and a half. Then do my cool down.” Jamie didn’t seem comfortable talking about his injury and even stated, “I don’t know what I’m allowed to say or not.” This is his health; his focus is on getting on the ice and having a successful season.
There is nothing but opportunity for Drysdale this season. Even in the 24 games he played for the orange and black, he did have moments of really good play, which was due to his not being healthy. Now that Drysdale has regained his health and gained muscle, which results in more confidence, there seems to be a newfound motivation for Drysdale.
