Emil Andrae appeared to be one of the most promising young defensemen for the Philadelphia Flyers entering the 2025 Training Camp. His puck-moving abilities, high hockey IQ, and competitive spirit were on display during preseason games and his previous NHL appearances. However, the decision to assign him to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on September 30 has left many puzzled, especially since he is waivers-exempt and seemed to outperform some of his competition for a spot on the roster.
The primary reason behind this move seems to be a preference for size over skill. At 5’9″ and weighing 189 pounds, Andrae is the smallest contender for the Flyers’ third-pairing spot. Head Coach Rick Tocchet has expressed concerns about having too many undersized puck movers within the defensive unit. With Cam York and Jamie Drysdale both standing at 5’11”, General Manager Danny Briere has emphasized the need for a more physically balanced blue line, echoing previous comments made about avoiding a plethora of small players when drafting and making trades.
In the preseason, Andrae managed only one shot on goal and finished with a minus-4 rating in two games, which did not exactly showcase dominance. The roster dynamics also played a significant role in his demotion; with injuries affecting several players, the Flyers are currently at 28 players but are expected to make further cuts once injured players return. Assigning Andrae to the Phantoms gives him the chance to develop in a top-pair role while avoiding the risk of waivers.
There are concerns among fans that size could be prioritized over talent, particularly with the thought that Andrae might struggle against larger opponents in crucial game situations, such as the playoffs. However, the Flyers have not reached the playoffs in five seasons, making this concern somewhat moot.
Despite the setback, there is a silver lining for Andrae. At just 23 years old and still under team control until the 2026-27 season, he showed significant potential last season in the AHL. If injuries occur or the third defensive pairing underperforms, Andrae could quickly find himself back in the NHL. Briere has advocated for patience with young talent, suggesting that this move is more about temporary placement than a permanent setback.
As the Flyers continue to reshape their roster and improve their chances of returning to the playoffs, it remains vital for fans to watch Andrae’s progress with the Phantoms. If he can excel there, it may force the Flyers to reconsider their current defensive strategy.
Additionally, the Flyers have also sent Jacob Gaucher back to Lehigh, leaving them with 24 healthy players as they prepare for their upcoming season opener on October 9, 2025. Oliver Bonk is expected to be sidelined for about two weeks due to an upper-body injury and is currently unable to be reassigned because of his injury status.
As the team navigates roster decisions and works to improve their prospects, Andrae’s journey offers hope, underscoring the importance of resilience and development in the early stages of a player’s career.