Flyers recall York ahead of four-game road trip

On the wrong side of a few closely contested efforts, the Philadelphia Flyers might uncover a bright spot ahead of their upcoming road trip. Someone is asking, “where is Cam York?”

“It’s not the physical skills; I think it’s the mental skills. I think it’s him learning, first of all, wanting to be a guy that’s going to make a difference, and then being the player to make a difference.”

John Tortorella; 10/5/2022

John Tortorella cut York from the opening night roster. After 27 games into the 2022-2023 season, we have an answer about “where is Cam York?”

Freshly recalled from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in time for the Flyers’ road trip, York will travel while Egor Zamula takes on a ton of minutes in the AHL. There are young players to develop, and Tortorella is fully aware:

“You might see Z stay back here so he can get a ton of minutes when we go on the trip. He’ll stay back here, and play a bunch down there in Lehigh. We’re going to bring another guy up with us on the trip so we have an extra [defenseman.]”

John Tortorella; 12/7/2022

Without a doubt, Flyers fans are salivating to see York take the ice. He’s the top defensive prospect. In 2021-2022, York (-14, 40BLK, 12GV, 51.2%CF) notched ten points (3G, 7A) in thirty games. His recent stint in the NHL ended with a foot injury, recalling Zamula.

The 2022-2023 stint with the Phantoms is the best yet for York. In twenty games, he’s notched thirteen points (3G, 10A) while maintaining a disciplined brand of hockey. Typically smooth on the ice, he is playing more physically, as Tortorella was looking for. Another strength for York is his puck handling, to which he could develop into a powerplay specialist. Anchored on offense, the Flyers’ 2.41 goals-per-game average is the worst in the NHL.

Zamula earned his role in the defense, developing under Tortorella. He has a long way to go, and it’s worth helping spark the offense by recalling York for potential NHL minutes. York presents a higher upside of points production in comparison. It’s not likely York gets into the lineup tomorrow, but keep an eye on him as the road trip continues.

(Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)