Philadelphia Flyers Recall Cam York
The Philadelphia Flyers have recalled defensive prospect Cam York from the minor leagues, sending Yegor Zamula back down in his place. The team is headed out on the road for stops in Vegas, Arizona, Colorado, and New Jersey, meaning they needed an extra defenseman. It is somewhat surprising that York was the one getting the call, given how it didn’t seem like the team would be inserting the extra body into the lineup.
York, 21, was the 14th pick in 2019 and is still seen as a top prospect in the Philadelphia organization, even if his opportunity at the NHL level has been limited. He played 30 games with the team last year and was pushed hard by head coach John Tortorella in the preseason, but ended up failing to make it past the final cuts. After putting up 13 points in 20 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, perhaps he’ll get another chance to show he can help the Flyers.
In yesterday’s loss to the Washington Capitals, Nick Seeler and Justin Braun each played fewer than 16 minutes, with the former not seeing any time on special teams. It would be a difficult spot for York to make his season debut tomorrow, against the 19-8-1 Vegas Golden Knights.
Zamula, meanwhile, has played in just 11 games with the Flyers this season but continues to be given practice time with the club. His demotion today was planned to give him the opportunity to play big minutes in Lehigh Valley while Philadelphia was on the road, since he wasn’t expected to get in the lineup.
Metro Notes: Bernier, Carter, York
The New Jersey Devils have rocketed to the top of the Metropolitan Division standings to start the season, largely in part due to the team’s suffocating possession game. Goaltending has remained a concern for the team to start the year, but they could get a potential third option back somewhat soon. Head coach Lindy Ruff noted to reporters today, including Devils reporter and content creator Amanda Stein, that Jonathan Bernier is “progressing” from a hip injury suffered over 10 months ago.
Ruff said the team will make a decision on when Bernier is ready to play again and when to get him into some games. The 34-year-old netminder played just 10 games last season after signing a two-year contract. With Mackenzie Blackwood posting a concerning .871 save percentage to start the year, a resurgence from Bernier could have him force his way back into an NHL tandem job. For now, he remains on long-term injured reserve as he works toward what would be an impressive comeback.
- Pittsburgh Penguins center Jeff Carter is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury suffered Saturday against Seattle, according to head coach Mike Sullivan. Carter did not practice today and it’s doubtful he’ll suit up for the team tomorrow at home against Boston. Drew O’Connor, who the Penguins recalled from the AHL today, served as Carter’s fill-in at the third-line center position today during practice between Danton Heinen and Kasperi Kapanen. Carter was in the midst of a strong start to the season, recording two goals and four assists for six points in nine games.
- Top Philadelphia Flyers defense prospect Cam York, currently in the AHL, suffered a lower-body injury yesterday when Lehigh Valley took on the Hershey Bears, according to Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr. The 21-year-old is listed as day-to-day. After failing to crack the team out of camp despite playing 30 games with Philadelphia last season, York has four points in seven games with Lehigh Valley and a -2 rating to start the year.