Philadelphia Flyers Defenseman Jamie Drysdale Moves to Injured Reserve
The Philadelphia Flyers are facing a setback as defenseman Jamie Drysdale has been moved to injured reserve (IR), according to a report from Jackie Spiegel of the Philadelphia Inquirer. This decision follows an incident from January 6, when Drysdale sustained injuries due to a controversial hit from Ross Johnston, a forward for the Anaheim Ducks.
The hit was significant enough that Johnston was penalized with a five-minute major and subsequently received a game misconduct; however, the NHL’s Player Safety did not impose further disciplinary action against him.
Drysdale was absent for the Flyers’ recent game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 8. His placement on IR means that the earliest he could potentially return to the ice would be in the game against the Buffalo Sabres on January 14.
Drysdale’s Impact on the Team
Drysdale’s absence is particularly concerning given his key role within the Flyers’ lineup. At 23 years old, he has been showing impressive form in the 2025-26 season, notching three goals, 15 assists, and a total of 18 points while maintaining a plus-1 rating over 41 games.
Since being traded from the Ducks to the Flyers in the 2023-24 season, he has tallied 12 goals and 31 assists for a total of 43 points in 135 games, underscoring his value to the team.
