The Philadelphia Flyers lost both halves of their back-to-back set this weekend against the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins, but perhaps their biggest loss came during the second period of Sunday’s contest.
Defenseman Jamie Drysdale went to the dressing room after taking a hit to his left shoulder from Penguins center Jansen Harkins. Of course, the Flyers recently acquired Drysdale from the Anaheim Ducks in the Cutter Gauthier trade back in January.
Drysdale did not return to Sunday’s game and the Flyers have not had an update on his status. However, Sportsnet’s Elliott Friedman reported on Monday night that Drysdale is out week-to-week and the hope is that he can return this season.
Drysdale already has an injury history with his left shoulder in his young career. The 21-year-old defenseman played in just eight games last year before suffering a torn labrum that ended his season.
All things considered, week-to-week status for Drysdale isn’t the worst thing in the world. The fact that there reportedly is hope that the young defenseman can return this year is a great sign.
However, without Drysdale, the Flyers’ position at the trade deadline gets a little bit murky. While Friedman also said on his recent 32 Thoughts podcast that the Flyers’ deadline plans won’t be impacted by the Drysdale injury — and that makes sense –, you have to wonder if the price tag for someone like Sean Walker or Nick Seeler (or even someone like Rasmus Ristolainen, who is also injured) got just a smidge higher.
Nevertheless, Drysdale’s shoulder is going to be something that the Flyers will monitor in the coming weeks and months heading into next season. He has great potential and the proper offseason training could do wonders for the young defenseman.
With Drysdale on the shelf, expect the Flyers to recall a defenseman from the AHL. Ronnie Attard could get the first look as a right-hand shot with some NHL experience under his belt.
Stay tuned for updates as more details about Drysdale’s status emerge…
