As Denver Barkey heads back to the London Knights after spending the last couple of months watching the Philadelphia Flyers' training camp from the sidelines, he reflects on his recovery from illness and coming back a stronger player than before. Philadelphia Flyers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/] head coach John Tortorella shared with reporters that defenseman Emil Andrae will be scratched for the club's matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. Tortorella also noted that Andrae being scratched is not due to injury [https://x.com/charlieo_conn/status/1867224399406903608?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet]. Andrae took a big hit near his head from Mathieu Olivier in the Flyers' game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was in obvious discomfort after the hit, and continued to look to be in a spot of pain on the bench. While he skated in a full-contact jersey during the team's practice on Dec. 12, it's not outlandish to think they will want to be cautious with a big hit so close to the head area. Since being called up to the Flyers in late October, Andrae has been a pleasant surprise this season. The 2020 second-round pick has one goal, five points, 21 hits, 27 blocks, and a plus-3 rating in 19 contests with the Flyers this season. He also shown that he belongs in the NHL [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/emil-andraes-star-continues-to-burn-bright-earns-praise-from-coach-veteran-defenseman] in the process. Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Emil Andrae (36). [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExMzQ3OTI0MDMyOTU1NTUx/usatsi_24946625.jpg] Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Emil Andrae (36). However, Andrae will be taking a seat against the Red Wings tonight. Tortorella also shared that Egor Zamula will be back in the lineup for Philly. He last played on Dec. 7 against the Boston Bruins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/].
