Flyers’ defense has been a bright spot in a season that began with promise. By Wednesday, the Philadelphia Flyers were among only nine teams in the NHL that had allowed fewer goals per game than the Flyers’ own 2.79. The numbers, taken from the first 28 games of the season, paint a picture of a squad that has consistently held opponents to low scoring totals.
Through 28 games, the Flyers’ record sits at 16-9-3, and the team has managed to drop consecutive games in regulation only once. In contrast, the Flyers finished the same stretch last season at 12-12-4 and allowed the fourth‑most goals per game in the league, a 3.43 average. The improvement in goal prevention is a key factor in the team’s confidence heading into the next stretch.
Central to the defensive conversation is Rasmus Ristolainen, who has not yet played this season. The 31‑year‑old has been in full participation during Monday and Wednesday practices, no longer wearing a non‑contact jersey, and is inching closer to a season debut that could come at some point this month. Ristolainen recovered from surgery in March that addressed a second triceps tendon rupture. Prior to the injury, the 6‑foot‑4 right‑handed defenseman had posted four goals, 15 assists, and only 14 penalty minutes in 63 games, averaging 20:31 minutes per night. Over his last 43 games, he tallied 16 points—three goals and 13 assists—while earning a plus‑10 rating.
Cam York, the 24‑year‑old defenseman, has missed the last two games due to an upper‑body injury but returned to practice Wednesday after participating in Tuesday’s morning skate. York has been listed as day‑to‑day, and his status for Thursday’s home game against the Vegas Golden Knights, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, remains uncertain. In 23 games, York has accumulated 12 points—one goal and 11 assists—and is second on the team in average minutes per game with 23:31.
During Wednesday’s session, the Flyers experimented with several defensive pairings. The pairings included Nick Seeler with Travis Sanheim, Emil Andrae with Jamie Drysdale, Ty Murchison with Noah Juulsen, and Cam York with Egor Zamula, among others. Earlier in the week, the coaching staff had paired Cam York with Travis Sanheim, Emil Andrae with Jamie Drysdale, and Nick Seeler with Rasmus Ristolainen, giving the team a glimpse of potential line‑up configurations once both key defensemen return to full health.
Coach Rick Tocchet has expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of having Ristolainen and York back on the ice. “When those two guys come back, it’s like making a really good trade,” Tocchet said Wednesday after practice. “You’re getting two quality D‑men in the lineup that know how to play D, know how to play without the puck. Risto has got a great shot. It’s good to have a guy back there who has got a bomb. Yorky’s intelligence in defending. It’s like making a major trade for us.” Tocchet also highlighted Ristolainen’s attributes, saying, “I heard that he played really well last year in stretches, stuff that we need. Hard shot, good outlet pass, wheels the net, can squash plays in the corner, big guy, a long guy. Those are pretty good attributes for a defenseman.” Regarding York, Tocchet noted, “I think they’re giving him a little bit more, see where he’s at, a little more pace in his practice. As of now, it’s still day to day, so we’ll see how it goes.”
The Flyers’ defensive core is poised to benefit from the return of two key players, and the coaching staff is working to integrate them into the team’s structure. With the team’s goal‑prevention record among the best in the league and the potential for Ristolainen and York to add depth and skill, the Flyers are looking to build on their early season momentum as they head into the second half of the campaign.
> Rasmus Ristolainen with consecutive practices in full participation. Seems to be getting closer to his season debut, which could come at some point this month. pic.twitter.com/eXkuVqnuHA— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) December 10, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Flyers’ defense ranks among the league’s best with a 2.79 goals‑allowed average.
- Ristolainen and York are on the cusp of returning, potentially strengthening the defensive lineup.
- Coach Tocchet views their return as a major trade‑level boost for the team.
The Flyers’ defensive strength, coupled with the imminent return of Ristolainen and York, positions the team to maintain its strong performance heading into the second half of the season.
