For newly re-signed defenseman Cam York, the process to get to an agreement on a long-term contract with the Philadelphia Flyers may have been slow, but now that it’s done, his excitement in being back with the Flyers was palpable.
“I love Philadelphia, it’s my home and where I’m comfortable,” York said, speaking to the media on Tuesday. “I just wanted to be there as long as I could. I wanted to stay and be a part of what’s going on. It’s a real exciting time to join and be part of this really good group going forward.”
The 24 year old defenseman agreed to a five year, $25.75 million contract ($5.15 million AAV) and ensured that he will be a key part of the Flyers re-build towards playoff contention during the course of it.
The contract makes York the second highest paid defenseman on the team, only behind Travis Sanheim ($6.25 million AAV). He stated he and the team shuffled around on the length of the deal, but that he was comfortable with the process in getting to the final terms.
“It’s a good timeline for me,” York said, regarding the length of his deal, which stretches in two years of potential un-restricted free agency. “I’ll be 29 when it’s over and it’ll be a good time for another deal.”
York acknowledged the struggles he had in the 2024-2025 season, where he finished with three goals, 17 points, and a plus-minus of minus-eight, and is looking to get back to the track he was on prior to last season.
“I want to use (last) year and make it an example for me down the road,” York said. “I don’t want to have that experience again. Obviously I’m motivated to have a big year and I think it’s important to have that belief in yourself. Last year didn’t go my way and not every year is going to be perfect. It’s not going to the exponential growth that you want to see as a player, I’m more than confident that I can come out and do some good things next year.”
The California-born defenseman is acutely aware his offensive numbers dwindled last season with reduced ice-time under previous head coach John Tortorella, but feels he can contribute more if given the opportunity.
“I want to make strides in every part of my game. Offensively, I have more to give. I feel I have a lot of skill that other defensemen don’t have. I feel like when I’m on my game, I’m a really versatile guy that not many guys in the league have the ability to do. I think defensively, I try to do things the best I can, blocking shots, defend as hard as I can, but I want to make strides in every area and improve my 200-foot game.”
With a new coaching staff headed by Rick Tocchet and assistant coach Todd Reirden, York knows the importance of the first year in being reliable in order to get re-gain the power-play responsibilities he had in the past.
He also believes playing with newly acquired forward Trevor Zegras can pay dividends in helping the man-advantage unit.
“I’ve been a power-play guy throughout my career at every level,” York said. “Last year I wasn’t, but I think when you’re on the power-play, you’re getting more puck touches, more ice-time, and obviously offensive numbers will go up.”
“I think my familiarity with Trevor is there and could be a good connection. I feel my lateral movement on the blueline is good and I have a good shot. Anything I can do to help, obviously it’s all hands on deck.
“I think to gain the trust of Tocc is going to be important early on and like any player with a new coach, you’ve got to earn his trust and then the opportunities are going to come for you. You’ve got to play hard and do the little things to earn that trust and that’s going to be a big thing for me.”
For York, there’s no hiding his enthusiasm knowing that he will re-unite with Zegras, a childhood friend and USNDP teammate.
“I knew (the Flyers trading for Zegras) was a potential option for quite a while. I think it escalated pretty quickly when there would maybe be a new coach in town. I think I just woke up (when he found out about the trade). We were high school troublemakers together and really good friends.”
“(Zegras) brings a skill set that we haven’t seen in a while. I think it’s going to be really good for our team to be around him in practice. He’s going to make our entire team more skilled.”
“He is a unique player. There’s guys who have elite skill and he’s in that category. The organization and the fans should be super excited. He’s a guy who can definitely get you out of your seat during a game.”
One of the main reasons he wanted a long term deal was where he believes in the team’s direction over the next few seasons.
“You look at our team, I feel we’ve added depth, skill,” York said. “We’ve been in this rut here for a few years and I think every player on the team has learned and adapted to new things. I feel like we’re at the stage where we’re ready to break out.”
“If our team keeps moving forward and get better and better, I feel like we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with. You look at our young core, it’s really skilled group of guys. You add Tocc to the mix I think he’ll be a really good fit for the team and take us to that next level, to where we want to be and make the playoffs.”
How soon that might happen is something that York will be expected to be a main contributor.
The Flyers have benefitted from securing a top-four defenseman at a favorable price and if York returns to his previous career arc, all the better for their chances to return to playoff contention sooner rather than later.
Off the Post Radio
On Wednesday, Off The Post Radio welcomes NHL.com’s Minnesota Wild writer Jessi Pierce to the show to discuss what’s happening with restricted free agent Marco Rossi and what plans general manager Bill Guerin might have in pushing them into Stanley Cup contention.
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man a lot needs to break the right way, and I hope it does. I want to see the group heading into their prime. In my heart I would love to pull the Isles, play well, miss playoffs and hit the lottery but if they can get in the playoffs, I will enjoy the ride.
I feel like York, Drysdale, and Zegras are all going to take steps this year. They are all jazzed to be together, and will feel like they’re allowed to have fun, now that Torts is gone. I know Torts wasn’t an issue for Zegras, but certainly for the other two, that change will lighten their moods.
Looking forward to the new season!