Jamie Drysdale, a rising star in the NHL, opens up about his journey with the Philadelphia Flyers, his friendship with Trevor Zegras, and the drama surrounding Matvei Michkov. Drysdale's story is one of resilience, mindset shifts, and the importance of close friendships in the locker room.
A Mindset Shift and Breakthrough
Drysdale's early years with the Flyers were marked by injuries and a lack of confidence. He struggled to find his footing, playing just 8 games in the 2022-23 season and 34 games the year he was traded. However, a 'switch in the mindset' helped him regain his form. He took ownership of his performance, realizing that no one could fix him but himself.
"Sure, I was hurt for the better part of two years, but the skills didn’t go away. The ability didn’t go away," he said. "Maybe just a switch in the mindset. Not fully believing, and then once you switch that, it’s just right back on track."
This mindset shift led to a breakout season, with Drysdale scoring a career-high 8 goals and 32 points in 78 games. His improved performance earned him a four-year, $26 million contract extension, solidifying his role as an important piece of the Flyers' defense.
The Power of Friendship
Drysdale's success is also attributed to his close friendships within the team. He mentions his friendship with Trevor Zegras, which dates back to their time with the Ducks. Zegras' presence in the locker room has been a source of support and motivation for Drysdale.
"I was just there. Z was the main character for the whole time," Drysdale said. "I would just sit there, smile, and laugh at all the interesting remarks and stuff that he would do."
Drysdale also highlights the importance of close friendships with teammates like Travis Konecny, Travis Sanheim, Tyson Foerster, and Bobby Brink. These relationships provide a sense of camaraderie and support, helping the team push through challenges and negativity.
The Drama Surrounding Michkov
The article also touches on the drama surrounding Matvei Michkov, who faced criticism for arriving at training camp out of shape. Drysdale, however, defended his teammate, emphasizing the importance of accountability and support.
"At the end of the day, it’s everyone’s responsibility to show up into camp. You’ve got the summer to work out and train. I expect everyone to come in flying in training camp," Drysdale said.
He also addressed the criticism of Michkov, suggesting that hockey players are under a microscope and that things get blown out of proportion.
Briere's Bold Move and the Carlsson Offer Sheet
The Flyers' offseason was marked by a significant move: the Leo Carlsson offer sheet. Drysdale describes the anticipation and excitement surrounding this development, as fans and media alike awaited the outcome.
"Honestly, it was probably similar for us as it was for everyone else. We don’t exactly have insider information. We’re just at home like everyone else. We found out like everyone else. We found out when it matched like everyone else," he said.
Drysdale acknowledges the impact of this move on the locker room and the league as a whole. He respects Danny Briere's bold decision, recognizing the challenge of finding a number one center in today's NHL.
Playing for Tocchet and Tortorella
The article also delves into Drysdale's experiences playing under different coaches. He praises Rick Tocchet's approach, describing him as a 'good motivator' and a 'total one of the guys.' Drysdale's close friendship with York, who had an altercation with John Tortorella, adds a layer of complexity to his perspective on the situation.
"I mean, yeah, obviously not ideal. Everyone would take it a similar way. In saying that, I don’t think us as a group were where we wanted to be in that moment. It kind of sucked for everybody," Drysdale said.
The Impact of 'Heated Rivalry'
Finally, Drysdale discusses the impact of shows like 'Heated Rivalry' on the state of hockey. He acknowledges the success of these shows in gaining attention and bringing more people into the sport.
"My girlfriend watched it and pretty much filled me in on every single episode, so I feel like I’ve watched everything. And then she had me watch Off Campus as well, the new hockey show," Drysdale said.
He believes that these shows contribute to the growth and popularity of the game, making it more accessible and engaging for fans.
