Flyers’ York energized by new contract, new coach

A new head coach might mean a new start for Flyers defenseman Cam York.
Oh, and don’t forget that big five-year, $25.75-million contract he just signed the other day.
That could help explain why York was smiling so much during a Zoom media call on Tuesday afternoon.
With the arrival of bench boss Rick Tocchet and the player’s financial outlook secure for the rest of his 20s, York has reason to feel upbeat.
Last season was a bit of a disappointment for the Anaheim, California native.
After a fine 2023-24 campaign, in which he played all 82 games and posted strong 10 goals/30 points numbers, he took a bit of a step back last year, competing in only 66 games with just four goals/17 points.
He’s hoping to get things turned around for the 2025-26 season, just as the entire team is after being out of the playoffs for a franchise record-tying five straight seasons.
The contract talks dragged on for quite a while but both York, his agent and general manager Daniel Briere never reached a point where things came close to breaking down.
“In terms of the length, I think it was just both sides were really comfortable with each other,” said the 24-year-old York. “We knew that eventually we would get something done. We weren’t in a rush at all to sign the paper. We shuffled term around a little bit.
“I’ll be 29 when it’s over. I think that will be a good time for a possible another deal. I obviously love Philadelphia, it’s my home and where I’m comfortable. I just wanted to be here as long as I could. I wanted to stay and be a part of what’s going on here.”
Expectations for York have been high since he was taken in the first round of 2019 NHL Draft (14th overall). Right off the jump, he showed an ability to make smart plays and has the speed and dexterity to execute them at the right moment.
York sounds confident Tocchet can get this team headed back in the right direction.
“You look at our team, we’ve added depth, skill,” the player said. “We’ve kind of been in this rut for a few years. Every player on this team has kind of learned to adapt to team things.
“I just feel like we’re at this stage where we’re ready to break out. If everybody continues to try to take that next step, get better and better, I think our team is going to be a force to reckon with.”
According to York, Tocchet should be a good fit for a young (third youngest in the NHL) team.
“I think he’s going to be able to get us to that next level,” York said. “Get us to where we want to be and that’s the playoffs.”
As he gets older, York hopes to mature even more and perhaps rejoin Travis Sanheim on a steady basis. Those two formed the top defense tandem for quite some time but were broken up by former coach John Tortorella during last season.
“I want to continue to take strides in every part of my game,” York said. “Offensively I have so much more to give. I feel like I have a lot of skill that other defensemen don’t have. I feel like when I’m on my game I’m a really versatile guy. Not many guys in the league have that ability.
“Defensively I try to do the little things the best I can. . .block shots, defend as hard as I can. Try to improve my 200-foot game. Offensively, I feel like I have a lot more to give there. Hopefully, better numbers next year.”
Although the 6-foot-0, 194-pound York has an above average point shot, he did not get much top power-play unit time when Tortorella was in charge. That might change now.
“I’ve been a power-play guy pretty much my entire career at every level,” York said. “Last year I wasn’t. I think when you’re on the power play and you get more touches, more ice time, your offensive numbers will go up.”
The Flyers really haven’t had a dangerous player on the power play point since Shayne Gostisbehere left town. Philadelphia has been last in the NHL on the power play in three of the last four seasons, so a change appears to be called for.
Getting reunited with former Southern California buddy Trevor Zegras, acquired in a trade from Anaheim, could have some benefits in that department.
“I just feel like the familiarity is there,” York said. “It could be a good connection, potentially.
“I feel like my lateral movement on the blue line is good and I have a good shot. I think it (the power play) is going to be all hands on deck. Earning the trust of ‘Toc’ is going to be important for me early. You have to earn that and I think that’s going to be important to me.”