Flyers: Finding A Power-Play QB, Part 3

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The Philadelphia Flyers are officially in their offseason planning stage following their heady run to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For general manager Daniel Briere, it’s time to consider their summer pathway for building on that unexpected success.

For the playoffs provided their younger core players with an beneficial education on what it takes to win. But it also laid bare the areas where the Flyers have to strengthen if they are maintain or advance their achievements over the next few seasons.

One area that the Flyers are looking to make a marked improvement is to improve their league worst power-play. On that, Philadelphia is specifically looking to find a defenseman who can handle the point position. Head coach Rick Tocchet tried a number of options, including Jamie Drysdale, Cam York, and Rasmus Ristolainen.

None of them could elevate the unit’s performance.

During the playoff run, Tocchet pointed out that it wasn’t a fixable problem for the current roster. Now that the season is done, where can Briere look to find answers?

Previously, we looked at where the Flyers might look in a pretty thin unrestricted free agent market and their possibilities via trade or the restricted list. In the final edition of our series, we’ll examine the internal organizational options either on their current roster or in-system.

Jamie Drysdale

Jamie Drysdale made a marked leap in his development as an NHL defenseman last season. Under Tocchet and assistant coach Todd Reirden, he improved in all aspects of his neutral and defensive zone play.

In the Flyers first round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the season-long improvement fed into offensive output. However, his work as a top power-play quarterback option was underwhelming. He scored one goal and nine points wit the man-advantage during the regular season. Despite his speed and slick puck-handling, he suffers from overthinking with the puck on his stick in the offensive zone. He doesn’t possess a shot that opposing penalty killers fear. By the end of the postseason, Tocchet alternated between Drysdale and Rasmus Ristolainien on the top unit.

The one thing to consider is whether another offseason of work on his offensive game after rebuilding himself as a reliable defender might earn Drysdale one more chance to prove himself. If the Flyers don’t acquire an outside option for the power-play, perhaps Drysdale gets another chance.

Cam York

While the highlight of York’s career thus far was his series clinching goal in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, he has to get an extended opportunity to run the Flyers power-play.

In some ways, he suffers from similar issues as Drysdale. He doesn’t possess an overwhelming point shot. The numbers bare out only has two power-play goals and 20 points in 309 games played. However, he does move the puck up ice with incisive passes and can get things going in transition. But when the Flyers set up in the zone, he can be indecisive. That’s a trait that you can’t have in a power-play point. But how much that comes with being afforded an opportunity? If Briere doesn’t acquire a player who profiles as a viable option, why not give York an extended run.

Rasmus Ristolainen

Ristolainen’s career arc with the Flyers is quite the story. Under former assistant coach Brad Shaw and Reirden, the Finnish defenseman turned into a reliable top pairing man. He also got the majority of top unit power-play time late in the season and into the playoffs. Unlike Drysdale and York, he possesses a heavy shot that does garner respect. Ristolainen jumped into the offensive zone at even strength at times during the Penguins series.

However, the numbers (one point on the power-play last season) plainly show that his shot is the only real reason why Tocchet used him. He lacks the natural fluidity of movement needed for the spot.

Emil Andrae

Entering the summer as a restricted free agent, there’s a distinct possibility that the Swedish defenseman may not be in a Flyers uniform by the start of the season. In looking at his time in the Flyers organization, Andrae was a producer for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He displayed the competitive drive, instincts, and vision required of a power-play quarterback. At five on five, he generates a 53 percent Expected Goals per 60 minutes.

However, he is facing a real crunch for ice-time if he re-signs, regardless of power-play opportunity. His lack of size certainly works against him, even when he is willing to physically engage against bigger players. While he played a career high 61 NHL games and was a plus-15 last season, he only had one power-play point. At this point, it seems unlikely Tocchet sees him as an option at this level.

Oliver Bonk

Bonk’s first professional season showed some of the promise the Flyers had for him when they drafted him 22nd overall in 2023. He scored six goals and 19 points in 46 games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms after debuting in early December.

He scored a goal and two points in the Flyers regular season finale against the Montreal Canadiens and added a playoff assist in the Flyers Game 4 Eastern Semifinals overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Additionally, Bonk seemed to hold up well in handing point man duties after earning his “Bumper Bonk” reputation in juniors. While he is likely to start next season with the Phantoms at the start, it’s possible he could cultivate himself into a future option for power-play QB.

David Jiricek

Jiricek was acquired by the Flyers from the Minnesota Wild for right wing Bobby Brink in early March. The former #6 overall pick from 2021 put up good offensive numbers the Phantoms with two goals and 13 points in 15 games. Like Bonk, he made his Flyers debut in Game 82 but didn’t dress for any postseason games.

The 22 year old Czech defenseman is on his third team (Minnesota and Columbus). While the Flyers would like to take their time with his development, he is no longer waiver-exempt, which means he is likely to see more time with them. At 6 feet 3 inches and 210 lbs, Jiricek has good mobility and a strong shot. However, his overall decision making both with and without the puck is a work in progress. If he is able to make rapid improvements in those areas, that could make him a candidate for the Flyers for the power-play in the near-future.

Christian Kyrou

The brother of St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou, Christian was acquired from the Dallas Starts in exchange for forward Samu Tuomaala. Once Emil Andrae earned his permanent NHL recall, Kyrou was brought in to replace him on the Phantoms power-play. He got off to a strong start, but did slow down as the season wore on, finishing third on the team with 10 goals, 34 points in 59 games played.

While this was a career best season for Kyrou, his lack of size (5 feet 11, 182lbs) likely works against him unless he surprises during training camp.