The Philadelphia Flyers loaned defenseman Emil Andrae back to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Was it just a numbers game?
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Emil Andrae thought his spot in the Flyers Top-4 was solidified after his impressive start to season after being recalled.
But, after a mid-body injury, the second year defenseman just hasn’t been the same.
After being a healthy scratch for the previous three games, Andrae returned to the lineup last night for Cam York – who was health scratched after his benching in Detroit the night prior.
In his return, Andrae struggled to catch up to game speed. Culminating with his effort, lack there of to be frank, on the Kings fifth goal.
Following the goal, John Tortorella motioned to Brad Shaw to sit Andrae the rest of the game. Something that was the case until the Kings iced the game with an empty net goal.
Fast forward 12 hours and the 22 year old defenseman now finds himself in the AHL.
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His play since returning from injury has been average at best. A reason why Yegor Zamula took his place in the Flyers lineup.
However, that is not the only reason and the other is just out of his control.
When the Flyers return from the holiday break, they will embark on a 5 game 10 day west coast trip.
With Nic Deslauriers sidelined, the Flyers do not have an extra forward. On a road-trip of that length and on the opposite side of the country, an extra forward will be needed.
The reason that is out of Andrae’s control is he is one of just four Flyers waiver exempt. The others being Matvei Michkov, Tyson Foerster, and Aleksei Kolosov.
With three goalies still on the roster, a roster move was going to have to be made to recall a forward.
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Obviously, with Andrae out of the lineup, he would be the logical choice to be sent down.
But, why now?
Cam York, who Andrae entered the lineup for, will be back in the lineup tomorrow. Which would put him back in the press box.
Now, instead of the press box, he is in the lineup tonight for the Phantoms. And, will be in the lineup again tomorrow for the Phantoms.
With the way the AHL schedule is laid out, it was just perfect timing to send him down.
The Flyers would much rather have him be playing rather than sitting. Especially with his struggles since returning from injury.
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In no way is this move at fault to Andrae. It is a move that just makes sense for team and the player they are trying to develop into a Top-4 defenseman.
It is simply just a numbers game. One that Andrae himself has no control of.
Barring an injury, he should be with the Phantoms thru the New Years holiday and should return to the roster in early January.
The Phantoms play 7 games before the Flyers return from their trip. Seven games Andrae would not get to play if he was sitting in the press box with the Flyers.
PHOTO CREDIT: Emilee Chinn – Getty Images
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