Tortorella, Drysdale just fine with all of the text messages

Tortorella, Drysdale just fine with all of the text messages originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

VOORHEES, N.J. — Jamie Drysdale said his phone blew up when the news broke that he had been traded to the Flyers.

John Tortorella’s phone did, too.

The head coach didn’t mind the messages.

“I got texts all night long about the character of this kid,” Tortorella said Tuesday after practice, “so he’s going to fit in just right with this group.”

The next — and unexpected — chapter of the organization’s rebuild will officially commence Wednesday when Drysdale makes his Flyers debut in Philadelphia against the Canadiens (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP).

Two days ago, the Flyers had to pivot from Cutter Gauthier, a top prospect who looked like a significant foundation piece but is now property of the Ducks. General manager Danny Briere traded the 2022 fifth overall draft pick Monday night to Anaheim in exchange for Drysdale and a 2025 second-round selection.

Turns out, going back to last May, Gauthier decided he was never going to play for the Flyers.

Unhappy with but accepting of the development, the Flyers have now moved on and are excited about Drysdale.

“The locker room is thrilled that he’s here,” Tortorella said. “I think some players have voiced their thoughts on the deal.”

The defenseman is only 21 years old, now the youngest player on the Flyers’ roster. His position is arguably the toughest in the game, requiring the most patience when it comes to translating to the NHL level.

But he already has 123 career NHL games under his belt. The 2020 sixth overall draft pick is considered to be a plus skater and puck mover. He’ll quarterback one of the Flyers’ power play units and Tortorella is going to push him to play to his offensive strengths.

Drysdale had already known a handful of the Flyers’ players, one being Scott Laughton. The two are from the Toronto area and train together every summer.

“It’s great to have him here,” Laughton said Tuesday. “I texted him right away when I…