PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Flyers have made a trade with the Anaheim Ducks to acquire defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Flyers General Manager Daniel Briere confirmed the deal on Monday.
Drysdale, a 21-year-old from Toronto, Ontario, was selected by the Ducks in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He has played in 10 games for Anaheim this season, recording five points. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 185 pounds, Drysdale has established himself as a reliable blueliner during his tenure with the Ducks. In his four seasons with Anaheim, he has accumulated 45 points in 123 games. However, he missed most of the 2022-23 season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
The talented right-shot defenseman showcased his potential during the 2021-22 season, where he set career highs in goals, assists, and total points. Drysdale ranked second among all rookie defensemen in the NHL that season in points, assists, shots, and games played. Notably, he became only the fourth 18-year-old defenseman in Ducks history to score a goal in his NHL debut.
Before joining the Ducks, Drysdale played in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Erie Otters for two seasons, amassing an impressive 87 points in 112 games. He has also represented Canada at the World Junior Championship in both 2020 and 2021, winning gold and silver respectively. In 2020, he became the youngest defenseman for Team Canada in the tournament since Jay Bouwmeester in 2001.
In exchange for Drysdale, the Flyers have traded forward Cutter Gauthier to the Ducks. Gauthier, a fifth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has yet to make his NHL debut. He has spent the past two seasons playing for Boston College.
The acquisition of Drysdale strengthens the Flyers’ defensive lineup and adds another talented player to their roster. The team hopes that Drysdale’s skills and experience will contribute to their success in the upcoming seasons.
In summary, the Philadelphia Flyers have acquired defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Cutter Gauthier. The addition of Drysdale bolsters the Flyers’ defense and provides them with a promising young talent to further strengthen their roster.