Emil Andrae, the 24-year-old Swedish defenseman drafted 54th overall in 2020, should be skating in the NHL with the Flyers right now. With the team in a rebuilding phase, prioritizing the development of young talent like Andrae makes more sense than giving minutes to marginal veterans.
Currently contracted through the 2025-26 season, Andrae has been splitting his time between the Flyers and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Yet, despite his potential, he’s been a healthy scratch for several games, including the recent matchup against Washington. This is puzzling, especially given his earlier performances where he showed promise.
Let’s dive into the numbers: In 40 games this season, Andrae has racked up 11 points (1 goal, 10 assists) and boasts a solid +11 rating. His on-ice goals percentage is impressive, hovering around 58-59%, showcasing his effectiveness as a puck-mover with excellent skating and offensive instincts.
The Flyers aren't exactly playoff contenders right now, sitting in the middle of the pack. Benching a promising young defenseman like Andrae in favor of veterans such as Noah Juulsen or Nick Seeler-who aren't standout penalty killers-seems counterproductive. Flyers’ Head Coach Rick Tocchet mentioned penalty killing as a reason for Andrae's benching, but the team's PK wasn't elite before the break, and Andrae has been working on this aspect in practice.
Earlier in the season, Andrae exceeded expectations with strong performances, including assists, plus ratings, and significant ice time. Initially, his benching was described as a temporary reset, but the pattern has persisted, leading to speculation about a return to Lehigh or even trade rumors ahead of the March 6th deadline. Since January 26th, Andrae has been sidelined.
Noah Juulsen, for instance, has logged just 1:51 of PK time since Andrae's last game. It's baffling that Andrae isn't in the lineup. The Flyers' PK wasn’t stellar before the Olympic break, and it’s clear the young players need to hit the ice.
There are some counterpoints to consider: Andrae is on the smaller side at 5'9", 194 pounds, and he’s no longer waiver-exempt. The coaching staff might prefer certain matchups or veteran stability. Trade rumors suggest some see him as expendable.
However, Andrae deserves a spot in the NHL rotation to gain experience. His underlying stats and flashes of brilliance indicate he’s ready for more consistent minutes.
For the Flyers, focusing on long-term success by playing Andrae is a smarter move than short-term tweaks or veteran loyalty. If future success is the goal, it’s time to let the kid play.