Philadelphia Flyers’ defenseman Jamie Drysdale will always be attached to one of the most prolific trades in franchise history. The deal that sent Cutter Gauthier to Anaheim brought back Drysdale in return, along with a 2025 second-round pick.
Drysdale was largely embraced following the trade as the vitriol increased toward Gauthier. Drysdale got off a decent start in his first few games, but showed how raw he is in his first 24 games in Philadelphia. He scored two goals and five points.
In his first full season with the Flyers in 2024-25, Drysdale struggled defensively and finished with seven goals and 20 points.
This season, Drysdale was arguably the most-improved Flyer. The 24-year-old defenseman had a career-high eight goals and matched his career high with 32 points. That put a huge focus on signing the RFA to a long-term deal.
The deal is done, as Drysdale has signed a four-year deal with a $6.5 million AAV, avoiding arbitration. Drysdale’s hearing was scheduled for Monday.
Jamie DrysdaleJamie Drysdale
Drysdale was drafted sixth overall by the Ducks in the 2020 NHL Draft. He debuted in the NHL as an 18-year-old, with three goals and eight points in 24 games. He had a solid first full season with the Ducks, scoring four goals and 32 points in 81 games.
But his next two seasons were marred by injuries and eventually led to the trade to Philadelphia. In the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, while still with the Ducks, he played in just 18 games with one goal and five points.
Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.
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