Jamie Drysdale Reflects on His Time as an Anaheim Duck
Just a little under a year after being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, Jamie Drysdale will officially make his return to Honda Center. The 22-year-old defenseman was dealt in exchange for Cutter Gauthier, who is cutting his teeth as a rookie this season with the Ducks and had his own circumstances which created the deal that swapped youngsters.
“It’s definitely a little weird (to be in the visitors’ locker room),” Drysdale said after the Flyers’ practice this afternoon at Honda Center. “There’s really no other way to put it. You’d been on the other side for so long. It’s good to be back, I’m really excited for the game. It should be a lot of fun.
“It’s a big adjustment getting traded in the first place and East Coast, West Coast, there’s a lot of differences. But I love it (in Philadelphia). Everyone here has treated me so well since the second I got here. I’m real grateful for that and a lot of good friends here. A lot of great friends on the other side as well. Obviously, we’ve got a game to play tomorrow and like I said, (I’m) excited.”
Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Drysdale has played in 23 games this season for the Flyers, with his season interrupted by an upper-body injury that he suffered in early November. But since his return from a month-long absence, he has combined with Nick Seeler to form a solid pairing.
“I love playing with Seels,” Drysdale said. “He’s about as steady as they come. Plays hard every night and very predictable. Big fan of playing with him and hopefully we can continue to do so.”
Drysdale believes that he can’t comment on the difference in philosophies between playing for Ducks head coach Greg Cronin and his current coach John Tortorella due to the low number of games…
