John Tortorella confirms bad news about exciting young Flyers defenseman

Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella confirmed after Saturday night’s 5-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres that defenseman Emil Andrae, the team’s exciting young defense prospect, suffered an undisclosed injury towards the end of the contest.

Andrae, 22, missed the last 9:21 of the third period after suffering an apparent injury. The former 2020 second-round pick logged 17:17 of ice time, including 1:53 on the power play, one penalty, and one shot on goal before departing the contest.

Tortorella did not have an update on Andrae’s status after the game and Andrae was not present in the locker room.

“I’m not sure what Emil is,” Tortorella said in his postgame press conference. “He went out. I’m not sure what that is yet. Eventually, we’re going to have to make some decisions here when Yorkie (Cam York) comes back.”

Meet Emil Andrae, the Newest Flyers Rookie Star with a ‘F–k Off’ Attitude

If Andrae is to miss time, he, along with Cam York and Jamie Drysdale, would be the three key defensemen out for the Flyers due to injury. York is close to returning and has already resumed practicing with full contact, but Drysdale is expected to miss at least one more week.

Egor Zamula steps up for Flyers

Egor Zamula, who was previously a healthy inactive in favor of Andrae, played 17:09 against the Sabres, his most since returning to the lineup on Nov. 5 by over two minutes.

Zamula had one goal – the game-winning goal – and an assist against Buffalo on Saturday night, giving him four points in his last three games and a three-game point streak.

The 24-year-old is still regarded as one of the Flyers’ key young players and a developmental priority. After a rocky start to his 2024-25 season, Zamula has responded well to his benching and has steadily improved his game.

“Z, the biggest thing, and it’s a constant conversation he and I have, is just the speed of the game,” Tortorella assessed. “He gets caught from behind a lot. He doesn’t see the play quick enough. The speed of his mind, that’s what I think needs to improve in his game. But he’s getting better.”

A massive opportunity has potentially just opened back up for Zamula after the Andrae injury.