Flyers Coach: Latest Roster Move ‘Sucks’ but ‘Part of the Game’

Top Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Cam York returned to the ice on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks after being activated from injured reserve exactly one month from Oct. 23, the day he suffered his upper-body injury. To make York’s return possible, however, the Flyers needed to create a roster spot and did so by sending impressive forward Anthony Richard down to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Flyers head coach John Tortorella revealed after Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Blackhawks that the decision to send Richard back was not one that was made lightly or easily.

“Really difficult. By no means it was his play. It’s, we got roster decisions and who can be sent down to clear (waivers),” Tortorella said in his postgame press conference. “I hated seeing him go down. Danny and I talked to him before the game, had a very honest conversation with him. Who knows what happens here as we go through?

“As far as how I feel as a coach, he did some really good things for us. It sucks sending him down, but it’s part of the game as we’re going through this with our roster.”

Anthony Richard won Flyers fans over with speed, hard work

Tortorella was not the only one who hated to see Richard return to the AHL so soon. In his short time in Philadelphia, the 27-year-old speedster endeared himself to Flyers fans with his quickness, forechecking, and knack for creating plays out of nothing.

In seven NHL games, Richard recorded two goals, four assists, and six points, and owns a plus-4 plus-minus rating, second to only Noah Cates (plus-9) on the Flyers. Some fans are already calling for trades in order to get Richard back into the lineup.

Ok now I'm really biting my lip trying not to get annoyed. What has Richard done to deserve to be sent down for a guy (Frost) who's had 15 chances already ?

OK Danny……start moving asses out so guys that deserve to get a look get one. Richard and Tuomaala deserve a long look https://t.co/BN2QaQkkWg

— franko65 (@Raiderfrank65) November 22, 2024

It is worth noting that, at the age of 27, Richard has only played in a total of 31 NHL games, including this stint with the Flyers, since being drafted in the fourth round in 2015. There is probably a reason for that, but it is undeniable that Richard adds speed and skill elements to a Flyers team that is severely lacking in both categories.

As the Flyers continue to engage in trade conversations with other NHL teams throughout the season, there will continue to be future possibilities the team creates the requisite roster space to allow Richard to return from the minor leagues.