Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers Practice: Cam York Takes Responsibility, Addresses Future
VORHEES, NJ–Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Cam York was benched for the second-straight game on Thursday, with interim head coach Brad Shaw citing disciplinary reasons.
York reportedly got into a heated verbal exchange with now-former coach John Tortorella, which contributed to the quick dismissal of the Flyers’ coach and the reason for Thursday’s benching.
According to league rules, York had to dress since the Flyers only had 18 healthy skaters. Since he dressed, it technically was not a “scratch”, despite having the same function.
York discussed the benching after Friday’s practice at the Flyers Training Center.
Read More: Cam York Benched for Disciplinary Reasons
Cam York Takes Responsibility
“I take full responsibility for my actions. It’s been addressed here in the locker room and something that, you know, I am going to put behind me and move on from,” said York after practice.
York said it was hard sitting on the bench, especially knowing what he was putting his teammates through.
“Obviously, sitting on the bench there in that type of game is never fun. Five-D is a tough thing to do, and you never want to put your teammates in a situation.
Tensions were reportedly high between York and the now-dismissed John Tortorella, leading to the alleged verbal confrontation. York would not discuss their dispute in detail but said he is grateful for the lessons he learned from the coach throughout their time together.
“I have nothing bad to say. He taught me a lot of really good things, and was a really good coach for me. I’m going to use a lot of things that he taught me down the road in my career. So you know, he’s a really good coach, and I wish him the best of luck down the road.”
York Touches on Flyers’ Future
“This is where I want to be. I’ve stated that. I love what’s going on here, and I love what we’re building. And, you know, it hasn’t been our best year, but you know, it’s here. This is where I want to be,” said Cam York while addressing his Flyers future with the Flyers.
There may have been a moment amidst all of the drama surrounding York and Tortorella that could have led to speculation about York’s Flyers future. Back-to-back games on the pine do not always sit well with players and can indicate an organization’s feelings towards a player.
If there was any speculation that this recent Flyers drama would lead to York wanting out, I think that can be put to rest.
York is in a contract year, as he is a restricted free agent this offseason. A team can offer York a contract before the Flyers. However, the organization will have up to seven days to decide whether or not it wants to match the offer sheet.
Read More: OPINION: Tortorella is Gone, David Carle Should Be the Next Flyers Coach
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Not sure another NHL team will offer Yorkie…his year has not been the greatest. Over 58 games a minus 7 in the plus/minus category….which is not always a good measurement, but they do look at it.
Romus, you are a Philly sports savant – Phillies and Flyers. I’ve followed you for years on Phuture Phillies and now find you lurking here full of knowledge and insight on the Flyers. York has seemed out of sorts all year but I’d be disappointed if the traded him unless the return was pretty high. He should be at least a second pairing D man for next decade either here or elsewhere.
If I had to take a guess, if York is moved this offseason, it’s because another team came calling and offered more than the Flyers could turn down. He is most definitely still in the long-term plan.
Future?
Yeah, as the next Jon Slaney.
Thanks Hexy for one of many wasted draft picks.
Chuck Fletcher
York’s comments seemed very PC to me. Of course he’s going to say he wants to stay. What else would he say? But I am wondering if the argument between him and Torts was the last straw for DB. The timing is interesting.
Your suspicion is correct. I’m not a Torts apologist by any means, he has his faults for sure, but it seems too suspicious that he was ‘on board’ with the trades of multiple veteran players who had bought in before the trade deadline, then suddenly voices frustration with the current state of the team and is fired almost immediately following a verbal altercation with York. Torts is known as an old school hard-nosed coach. York is a young player with high expectations who has yet to prove himself as a quality player in the league. The relationship between York’s agent and his buddy little Danny Briere (both physically and from a character standpoint) is even more suspicious. Prove me wrong.