On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Flyers’ forwards were given player grades as the 4 Nations Face-Off break arrived. Now, it’s time to take a look at how the defensemen and goaltenders have fared, as we are just crossing over the halfway point of the 2024-25 season.
The Flyers’ defense has been quite stable so far. Travis Sanheim, who is representing Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, has solidified himself as the Flyers’ No. 1 defenseman. Cam York continues to make positive strides and is preparing himself for a payday this summer, and Rasmus Ristolainen has mightily improved on the defensive side of the puck. Ristolainen did make Team Finland for the 4 Nations Face-Off, but he won’t play due to injury.
Looking at the goaltending, it’s certainly been tough sledding. Samuel Ersson, representing Team Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off, has had his ups and downs this year but has provided stability between the pipes since the Christmas break. Ivan Fedotov and Aleksei Kolosov have struggled more than succeeded, but that was to be expected in their first full seasons in North America.
Here are player grades for the Flyers’ defensemen and goaltenders thus far in 2024-25:
Flyers defensemen
Travis Sanheim: A
Sanheim has proved he’s the Flyers’ top defenseman and is also proving that his long-term extension signed by former general manager Chuck Fletcher was worth the price.
Sanheim ranks first in points by Flyers defensemen with 27 (6G, 21A) and first overall in ice-time, averaging 24:34 per game. He scored 44 points during 2023-24 and is on pace to meet similar numbers this year. On a true contending team, Sanheim would probably be the #2 or #3 defenseman, but on the Flyers, he’s the top guy and has been solid all around this year.
Jamie Drysdale: B
Jamie Drysdale was going to be one of the main players to watch this season regarding development. He played injured throughout most of his first Flyers season in 2023-24 and underwent surgery in the offseason.
He started this season a bit slow and suffered an upper-body injury that saw him miss 12 games. But since returning from injury, he’s been one of the team’s best defensemen. He’s showing his offensive capabilities and has thrived since facing his former team, the Anaheim Ducks, on Jan. 11 at the Wells Fargo Center.
Drysdale has the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Flyers’ future, and he’s starting to put all of the pieces in the right places.
Rasmus Ristolainen: B-
Even if Ristolainen doesn’t return to the offensive producer he was in his junior career and Buffalo, he’s stepped up his defensive game massively since being a member of the Flyers. All credit for his improved defense goes to associate coach Brad Shaw.
Ristolainen has 15 points (2G, 13A) in 54 games this year and is on pace to set a career-high in points in his Flyers career. He registered 20 points (3G, 17A) during 2022-23. He’s been placed in every situation over the last few months, ranging from powerplay time to seeing the ice in overtime.
His name has been brought up in trade rumors as the trade deadline approaches, so we’ll see what his future looks like. If he stays or goes, he’s become a sound defensive player in Philadelphia.
Nick Seeler: B-
Nick Seeler makes a visible difference when he’s in the lineup compared to being out. He has 13 points (3G, 10A) in 52 games played and is one point shy of tying a career high that he set with the Flyers in 2022-23.
He gives his all every game and is never afraid to step up and defend his teammates physically. Seeler plays a solid and tough defensive game and has revived his career since joining Philadelphia.
Cam York: C+
York is due for a contract extension this summer. His two-year, $3.2 million deal that he signed on July 10, 2023, will expire.
York ranks second overall in ice-time on the roster, averaging 21:14 per game. He has turned into a player willing to put his body on the line, having blocked 84 shots this year. He does experience some inconsistencies at times, but when his game is on, watch out.
He was scratched by John Tortorella against the Los Angeles Kings on Dec. 19, showing that nobody is safe from watching a game in the press box on occasion. It will be interesting to see what numbers Daniel Briere presents York in the off-season regarding a new contract.
Emil Andrae: C+
Emil Andrae has suited up in 24 games this year, scoring six points (1G, 5A). He’s mostly stepped in for injured defensemen, being recalled from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and has been one of the better defensemen at times.
You can make the argument that he’s also outshined York at times. Both players are left-handed defensemen. Andrae appears to have a permanent spot on the Flyers’ blue line in the future, and he’s turned some heads multiple times this season.
Erik Johnson: D
Erik Johnson mostly steps in when an injury occurs. He signed a one-year extension with the Flyers last summer and will most likely be gone at the end of the season.
He plays a large mentorship role in the locker room with the younger players. His veteran presence and Stanley Cup-winning mentality doesn’t go unnoticed.
Egor Zamula: D
Egor Zamula has had a rough season. He’s struggled both on offense and defense and is prone to making many mistakes. He has 11 points (3G, 8A) in 39 games.
It’s unclear what Zamula’s future looks like in Philadelphia, especially with the emergence of Andrae. He was placed on the injured reserve on Jan. 31.
Flyers goalies
Samuel Ersson: B
In 31 games played, Ersson is 16-10-3. He holds a 2.82 GAA and a .890SV%. He’s easily been the best out of the bunch this year and will be the Flyers’ No. 1 goalie moving forward.
Since returning from the Christmas break, Ersson is 9-4-1 with a 2.26 GAA and a .920SV%. He’s been dominant even in recent losses to the Colorado Avalanche and Utah Hockey Club.
Ersson will serve as the third goaltender for Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Ivan Fedotov: C-
In 17 games played, Fedotov is 4-8-1, carrying a 3.26 GAA and .877SV%. It’s been a rocky year for Fedotov, and he has cost the Flyers at times in games. He has made some slick saves but has been underwhelming.
Aleksei Kolosov: C-
Similar to Fedotov, Kolosov was also underwhelming in his stint with the team this year. It’s still his first year playing hockey in North America, like Fedotov, so there are adjustments still being learned.
In 15 games played, Kolosov is 4-8-1 with a 3.45 GAA and .870SV%. He’s also seen some struggles with the Phantoms, so development is the #1 priority for him.
Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
