Flyers Coach Gets Real About Exciting Defender’s Demotion

On Friday, the Philadelphia Flyers assigned defenseman Emil Andrae to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Some Flyers fans were naturally surprised by this decision, as Andrae has been a nice surprise for the Metropolitan Division club this season.

View the original article to see embedded media.

While speaking to reporters, including PHLY Sports’ Charlie O’Connor, Flyers head coach John Tortorella explained the reason for Andrae’s demotion.

“It’s a no-brainer. It’s gotten too rich for him,” Tortorella said. “Easy part of the process. He gets a little bit up here, plays really well, starts falling off. We are not going to keep putting a kid in a spot where we’re hurting him.”

Andrae, 22, has had a solid season with the Flyers, posting one goal, five points, and a plus-3 rating in 20 games. He has undoubtedly looked like a player who belongs in the NHL, but even with this being the case, he will now continue to work on his play down in the AHL.

In his final three games with the Flyers before his demotion, he had zero points and a minus-3 rating.

Do you agree with the Flyers’ decision to send Andrae back to the AHL, or do you think he should have stuck around with the NHL club? Let your thoughts be known in the comments.

Related: Gameday 34 Preview: Flyers vs. Blue Jackets

Related: Three Takeaways From Flyers Loss vs. Kings

Related: Flyers Surprisingly Send Breakout Defender To AHL

Related: John Tortorella Gives More Insight Into Flyers Goalie Hierarchy