Emil Andrae's most recent call-up to the Philadelphia Flyers is proving to be more than a chance to fill a gap; it's an opportunity he's seizing to showcase his growth, skill, and undeniable potential.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Emil Andrae (36) against the Boston Bruins on November 2, 2024.
In a season where young players are crucial to the Flyers' development strategy, Andrae's contributions offer a glimpse of his promising future and the immediate impact he's making on the blue line.
Andrae credits his recent success to finding a greater sense of comfort off the ice, which has fueled his confidence on the ice.
"I think it's been pretty good," he reflected. "I feel a lot more comfortable off the ice and I think that's a big part of why I've been successful on the ice...I feel like I've been playing good, but I still think I can take a couple more steps."
Erik Johnson, who has been Andrae's defensive partner throughout his recent games, has been a key factor in Andrae's adjustment. The 22-year-old shared his appreciation, saying, "I love that guy. He makes me comfortable; I can be myself around him, and that's a huge part of why we've been successful."
Goaltender and fellow Swede Sam Ersson has also served as a sounding board and mentor for Andrae, offering guidance on things that go beyond gameplay.
"[He helps with] the small details off the ice, on the ice, traveling," he said. "[I ask him] questions about everything. It's been helping me a lot."
For Andrae, settling into his surroundings has become as crucial as his technical skills, allowing him to focus on refining his game and bringing the energy he needs to succeed at the NHL level.
He got off on an ideal foot, with the 2024 preseason camps laying the groundwork for Andrae's growth.
"I think I had a pretty good camp [and] played pretty good in the exhibition games. I feel I've been improving since last year, so that was good for [me] and moving forward," he noted.
This step forward has been visible in his play, with Andrae demonstrating poise and an increasing level of control that belies his age and limited NHL experience. His offensive mindset and his knack for moving the puck quickly have become valuable assets for the Flyers.
Head coach John Tortorella has taken notice, particularly impressed by Andrae's ability to jumpstart plays and drive the attack.
"I love what he's doing with the puck," Tortorella stated. "I think he makes some really good plays offensively, and I think he's got some moxey as far as not being afraid to make a play."
This willingness to take risks on the offensive end has added depth to the Flyers' second powerplay unit, where Andrae has been a standout contributor.
"I like what he's done on the powerplay," Tortorella acknowledged. "I mean, the second powerplay unit [during Saturday's game against the Boston Bruins] was, by far, much more effective than the first."
Andrae's ability to transition the puck with speed and precision has not only energized the Flyers' offense, but also established him as a reliable source of momentum. Tortorella further singled out his efforts against the Bruins, where his quick decision-making was intstrumental in the team's forechecking success.
"Emil has the mentality as far as looking to get the puck up the ice quick," he observed. "We made a couple of of plays in that second period...it starts with Emil. You get it up the ice, chip it off the wall, let us skate on it. He's in the [game tape] all over the place."
Veteran defenseman Johnson has been equally impressed with the young Swede, saying, "He's been easy to play with and doesn't seem to me like he's a young player. He seems really mature and poised and comfortable...He just kind of has that presence where he demands the puck on the ice."
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Erik Johnson (77).
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
He continued: "Sometimes young guys get [the puck] and want to get rid of it right away, but he hangs onto it and looks to make the best play possible...He just seems like a happy-go-lucky guy, plays bigger than his size, and has made my job a lot easier playing with him. I think he's helped me a lot; we've helped each other."
The self-assuredness to make the most impactful play rather than defaulting to a quick pass, combined with his composed approach and offensive awareness, has highlighted Andrae's potential to become a core element of the Flyers' back end.
Though Andrae's offensive skills have garnered attention, there's room for growth in his defensive game, an area Tortorella is carefully monitoring.
"He struggles a little bit just with the size of people–he's not a big guy himself," he said, pointing out that Andrae's challenge lies in defending against larger players.
However, the Flyers' head coach sees the potential in Adrae to strengthen his defensive anticipation, which would make him more effective in high-pressure situations.
"If we can cure that...he's gotta get better anticipation skills," he said. "Getting into the defensive zone instead of just closing big bodies out—that's where he struggles."
For Andrae, this developmental path is one he approaches day by day, keeping his focus on consistent improvement rather than long-term projections.
"I don't really think about the future that much. I'm just trying to take it day by day, game by game, and trying to improve every day," he explained. He's aware that his defensive game needs refining, particularly in "being stronger on the puck around the net."
Andrae's recent performances have left the Flyers' management facing tough decisions about their defensive rotation. Tortorella acknowledged the challenge of balancing the young Swede's potential with the need to develop other young defenseman, notably Egor Zamula.
"He's kept [Zamula] out longer than I really wanted him to be," he admitted. With top-pair defenseman Cam York's return from an upper-body injury imminent, the coaching staff will need to carefully consider how best to allocate playing time (and potential assignments to the AHL) without disrupting the progress of each young prospect.
As Andrae's game continues to mature, his impact on the Flyers will only deepen, giving Philadelphia a much-needed infusion of skill and adaptability on the back end. For now, Andrae's focus remains on steady growth, tackling each game as it comes, and proving that he's more than ready to earn his place in the NHL.
