Flyers Prospect Emil Andrae Expected to Sign His ELC

Defenseman Emil Andrae, who is one of the Philadelphia Flyers’ best prospects, just finished the last year of his HV71 contract in Sweden. When he agreed to the deal in 2020, the expectation was he would sign his entry-level-contract after that.

That means he could soon be signing with the Flyers.

He finished tied for fourth on his below-average team in scoring, and former Lehigh Valley Phantoms player, Andy Miele, was second.

So, what does it all mean?

Andrae is 5-foor-9, and 181 pounds. That could work against him when he starts playing in North America. There is no way around it. He is feisty and has excellent speed and edgework, so avoiding big hits is going to be the key.

He ended this season with 26 points (six goals, 20 assists), 67 penalty minutes, and a minus-3 rating in 51 games.

Andrae, 21, who has been compared to former Flyer Kimmo Timonen, can run and work the power play as well as any prospect the Flyers have. InStat has his shot hitting the net 48% of the time, which is good. That’s improved this season. Andrae’s one-timer is pro quality, and his wrist shot gets through traffic. He averaged over 20 minutes a game, and played in all situations.

Midway through the 3rd period and its 2-1 for Sweden. Emil Andrae freezes the defender with a fake and rifles it into the back of the net putting @trekronorse back up by 1. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/QGcvJIP7v0

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) August 17, 2022

I like his hockey I.Q. The fact that he is able to process information quickly means transitioning to the AHL and NHL won’t be overly difficult. It should speed up his development cycle but still, the Philadelphia Flyers shouldn’t rush him next year. From here, Andrae is a 2024 potential NHLer.

Playing up in age has helped Andrae. He’s used to playing against men older than him, and that’s exactly what is in store for him next season. He battles, he’s good on the rush, and he takes time to dissect the situation when he has the puck. His puck management is particularly good.

Andrae is elusive to a degree, and his last game for HV71 was Thursday, so he could join Lehigh Valley this season.

Being more elusive and figuring out the tighter-checking game is why he should start the season in Lehigh Valley next season. He needs time to adapt.

All the elements are there for him to have a solid professional career with the Philadelphia Flyers. Staying healthy and avoiding the big hits NHL players can deliver will be the key to his longevity. I like his chances, but I can’t predict how that part of his game will turn out.

Sweden @trekronorse is up 4-0 vs. Austria with captain Emil Andrae potting two in the second period. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/6iX0iIIgew

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) August 12, 2022

Russ Cohen is a prospects expert for SiriusXM radio and Elite Prospects.