Flyers: Sanheim, York Prepared to Take Bigger Step

Development remains a key part of the Flyers growth during the rebuild, especially on the blue line. John Tortorella discussed this on Thursday, noting how with so few changes to the roster from one year to the next, players would need to continue to step up and have the growth that make them key parts of the future.

Two players that continue to fit the bill are Travis Sanheim and Cam York. The duo played together on a pairing in Friday’s scrimmages and are looking to build on a strong 2023-24 season.

“Just continuing to take those steps,” Sanheim said. “The minutes are going to be there. We both feel like there’s more to our game and another level to get to and another level for our pair to get to. Keep working, keep learning. We’ve got a great coaching staff here that we’ve developed and gotten better each year. We’re looking forward to the challenge. Obviously we need to take another step just like our team does.”

Sanheim’s steps to getting better started over the course of the last year. He added significant weight over the last couple of seasons, going from 181 pounds to 222 pounds at the start of training camp this season. York took similar steps this year, up to over 200 pounds. 

Sanheim has experienced some significant minutes over the year, but last season was really where York got top-pair experience for the first time in the NHL. It’s something that both players are looking to build on this season.

“I think we just scratched the surface last year as to what we can do,” York said. “I think we’re both really excited to see where our games can go together. We’re just two really good players that have really high IQ. I think the sky’s the limit for us.”

Both players are focused on improving their collective games, but have different area they feel they can emphasize. Sanheim noted how his aggressiveness helped him gain more opportunities. York feels like he’s showing that he can be a top defenseman in the league by learning from veterans.

“When I go into the offseason, you try to pinpoint little spots here and there,” Sanheim said. “Continuing to be aggressive. I think it was a big step for me last season that allowed me to shut down plays earlier which on the flipside created more offense and I was able to get up the ice more and generate more. When you notice things like that, you try to continue to get better in those areas.”

“In all facets of my game, I want to grow,” York said. “I feel like I’ve just scratched the surface as to what I can do in the NHL. In every area of the game, I want to continue to grow and get better. I have great resources here, a lot of really good veteran guys that have played in the league for a long time and a staff that’s done a great job here. I’m just going to try to pick everyone’s ear and try to get better everyday.”

For the Flyers to have success, they need their defensemen to be great at both ends of the ice, contributing on the offensive side while being solid defensively. Both York and Sanheim took steps in the right direction last season, and as Tortorella said, making another step will only help determine their status with the team moving forward.

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.