Travis Sanheim is returning from Milan with more than just a silver medal; he's coming back with the hockey world’s attention. The Flyers defenseman has been steadily revitalizing his NHL career, but playing for a team struggling in mediocrity meant his talents often flew under the radar. That all changed at the Olympics.
Despite Canada’s overtime loss to the U.S., Sanheim’s performance turned heads. He skated confidently with the world’s best, proving he belongs on the international stage. Initially, Sanheim was a depth player on Team Canada, but after an injury to Josh Morrissey, he seized his opportunity and never looked back.
Paired with veterans like Drew Doughty and Colton Parayko, Sanheim played a solid, understated role through the quarterfinals. In the world of defense, no news is often good news-meaning he was doing his job effectively.
But as the tournament progressed, Sanheim’s confidence grew. In the semifinals against Finland, he logged 12:38 on the ice, contributing an assist for Shea Theodore’s game-winning goal.
In the final against the U.S., Sanheim increased his ice time to 15:28, firing three shots on goal as Canada tried to break through against goalie Connor Hellebuyck. Despite the loss, Sanheim’s performance was a testament to his skill and determination.
His first Olympic point was pivotal in pushing Canada past Finland and into the gold medal round. This, combined with his strong showing at last February’s 4 Nations Face-Off, has significantly boosted his reputation among Hockey Canada decision-makers, including Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet. Tocchet has praised Sanheim’s consistent play, which was a key factor in his decision to take over the Philadelphia bench.
Sanheim’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. After a turbulent first year under former coach John Tortorella, he could have faltered.
Instead, he rebounded, evolving into a more complete player and handling top-pairing minutes with ease. His performance in Milan only solidified his place among Canada’s top defensemen.
As he returns to the NHL, the Flyers have plenty of issues to address, but Sanheim’s position on their defense isn’t one of them. He’s proven himself to be both reliable and talented.
The Olympics showcased his abilities on a grand stage, and it’s time the hockey world takes notice. Sanheim has earned his place in the spotlight, and it’s clear his success is no fluke.