Flyers Notebook: Drysdale’s First Day; Thoughts From York

There’s a new face donning the Orange and Black for the Philadelphia Flyers and his name is Jamie Drysdale.

The 2020 No. 6 overall pick joined up with the Flyers for his practice Tuesday afternoon and has chosen to wear No. 9. Drysdale participated in various defense drills and was paired with veteran defenseman Travis Sanheim. Cam York was paired with Sean Walker, and Nick Seeler was paired with Rasmus Ristolainen. Egor Zamula and Marc Staal skated together to make an extra defense pair.

“Yes, today’s practice we had eight D,” head coach John Tortorella begrudgingly explained. “We’re trying different things. I’m not sure what the pairs are gonna be tomorrow [against Montreal]. Let the kid play, please, then ask me questions,” Tortorella finished.

Tuesday’s practice was also an opportunity for Drysdale to catch up with some old friends, such as Scott Laughton, Cam York, Morgan Frost, and old Anaheim Ducks teammate Nicolas Deslauriers.

“I texted him right away,” York said. “Him and Trevor Zegras texted me, so, kinda came out of nowhere. But glad he’s here.”

“Trevor Zegras lived in my house in Anaheim and [Zegras and Drysdale] were best buddies out there,” York added. “Jamie was always over at my house and knows my family pretty well, so that’s how I got to know him a little bit. This past summer we hung out a bunch. We got a really good player.”

“[Laughton]’s an unbelievable guy, I’m sure you guys know,” Drysdale said of Laughton. “Gave him a big hug when I got here. He’ll definitely be in my ear and helping me out. It’s good to be able to play with him.”

So, Drysdale will definitely have the support of his friends and now teammates as he wades through his first days as a Flyers player. It’s unclear when the former Duck will make his Flyers debut, but Drysdale is healthy and raring to go.

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