In the midst of a swell of injuries, Cam York is taking full advantage of his opportunity to become the Flyers’ No. 1 defenseman.

Cam York has largely gone underrated in his 155-game NHL career.

Really, it started before he even played a single game in The Show. Plenty of people had words for then-GM Chuck Fletcher when the Flyers drafted York over Cole Caufield in the 2019 NHL Draft, despite the fact that York had plenty of credentials.

He sits third on the all-time list for points by a defenseman for the United States National Team Development Program after becoming one of only two players—and the only defenseman—under the age of 18 to make that historically talented 2018-19 squad (the other player was Jack Hughes). He has a full arsenal of skills that haven’t been fully appreciated up until this season. He’s an intelligent player, with a quick stick and good hands that’s not afraid to get into the gritty corners and in the thick of whatever bust-ups happen on the ice.

He didn’t dazzle audiences when he made his debut—and her certainly didn’t impress head coach John Tortorella when the two first met.

“Remember, at the beginning of the year, I didn’t think Cam York was a National Hockey League player,” Tortorella said back in February. “I wasn’t sure, judging from his last quarter of the prior year. Cam is probably one of our better defenders.”

York has only gone on to prove his coach correct in that statement. In addition to his aforementioned defensive qualities (where he’s also recently been able to add shot blocking to the list), he looks to be returning to being an offensive defenseman, a style he thrives in. With 27 points (9 goals, 18 assists) across 68 games played this season, York has been way more involved on the offensive side of the game instead of being forced into a strictly defensive defenseman role that doesn’t suit his natural abilities.

Another promising aspect of York’s development is how much he’s being trusted as a leader this season. When fellow young defenseman Jamie Drysdale was traded to Philadelphia in a lightning-fast, blockbuster deal, York—an already-close friend of Drysdale’s—let him stay in a spare bedroom until Drysdale found his own place. Aside from the pair’s bromance (which has quickly become a fan favorite), Tortorella has expressed his hopes that Drysdale can learn from York on the ice as well.

“I think Cam York is one of our better defenders,” Tortorella said. “I think Jamie has a ways to go to learn that part of the game. Quite honestly, I’d like to see Cam teach him—[they] have a peer; two young guys in the league. With Cam York, that’s where I think he’s progressed.”

Having just turned 23 on January 5, York still has plenty of time to grow and improve. He’s a huge part of the young core the front office wants to build around in the near future, and if he keeps trending upward with how he’s playing, it won’t be long before he’s the clear choice for top-pair defenseman. He’s already getting plenty of reps in that role with Travis Sanheim, but York is stepping into a position where can play well, handle leadership responsibility on the blue line, and become an impactful figure that future defensemen can look up to in games and in the locker room.