Flyers' Drysdale Emerges as Key Defensive Piece

23-year-old defenseman takes on bigger role, thriving in top-four minutes

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey defenseman in motion, with sharp planes of blue, red, and silver representing the raw energy and skill of the player.A cubist interpretation of Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale's dynamic play, highlighting his emergence as a key piece of the team's future.Philadelphia Today

Jamie Drysdale, a 23-year-old defenseman acquired by the Philadelphia Flyers in a trade, has developed into a legitimate top-four blueliner this season. According to advanced stats, Drysdale leads the Flyers' defense in expected goals rate and expected goals against per 60 minutes, suggesting he's taken a big step in his third year with the team.

Why it matters

Drysdale's emergence is a significant development for the Flyers, who are just two points out of a playoff spot. As an offensively gifted right-shot defenseman, Drysdale could be the long-term replacement for veteran Rasmus Ristolainen, whose future in Philadelphia remains uncertain.

The details

After being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in 2020, Drysdale has seen his role steadily increase with the Flyers. He was promoted to the top-four defensemen in late January and has thrived since, posting a 57% expected goals rate and allowing just 2.07 expected goals against per 60 minutes - an elite defensive mark. Offensively, Drysdale has set career-highs with 8 goals and 22 assists in 71 games.

  • Drysdale was promoted to the Flyers' top-four defensemen in late January 2026.
  • Drysdale is in his third season with the Flyers and sixth overall in the NHL.

The players

Jamie Drysdale

A 23-year-old defenseman who was acquired by the Philadelphia Flyers in a trade and has developed into a legitimate top-four blueliner this season.

Rasmus Ristolainen

A veteran defenseman for the Flyers who has one year remaining on his contract before hitting free agency.

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What they’re saying

“While some young defenders show more defensive aptitude early, there are many who need time to develop and we're starting to see the fruits of that labor with Drysdale. He did well in sheltered minutes through the first half of the season and was promoted to the top four in late January. He's taken off ever since.”

— Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic

What’s next

The Flyers will continue to rely on Drysdale's development as they push for a playoff spot, and his future role could become clearer if the team decides Ristolainen's future in Philadelphia.

The takeaway

Drysdale's emergence as a top-four defenseman is a significant bright spot for the Flyers, who are in the playoff hunt. His growth could provide long-term stability on the blue line and allow the team to potentially move on from the veteran Ristolainen.