VOORHEES, N.J. – Last season was definitely a step back in Cam York’s career.
The Flyer defenseman struggled at times on the ice. Off it, things weren’t much better. There was the much-ballyhooed shouting match with ex-coach John Tortorella in late March that many believe was the last straw in the bench boss’s firing.
Things, however, seem to have taken a turn for the better during the offseason.
First, Rick Tocchet was hired as head coach. Second, York is the first to admit he’s got to take measures to get back to his form of two seasons ago, when he scored 10 goals and 30 points.
“We all want to take that next step,” he said after a training camp workout at the Flyers Training Center. “Last year just wasn’t good enough on my part. As a team, we all want to get better, get to that next level. That’s something that has definitely been talked about.”
Just a short while ago, York and Travis Sanheim formed unquestionably the team’s No. 1 defense pairing. That unit was phased out last season. York is heading into a contract year and knows how important the moment is for him.
“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure,” he said. “After watching games from last year, I know that wasn’t me. I would say it’s a confidence thing. I know what I’m capable of. And I think the other guys do, too. Just going into this year, having confidence in myself. As a player, I know what I can do. Just continue to take a step each year. I know I’m a big piece of it.”
Tocchet brought in ex-NHL defenseman Todd Reirden as an assistant coach. York believes he can learn a lot from the former Washington head coach.
“I’m excited to get to know him better,” York said. “I feel like there are a lot of similarities between him and (former defense coach Brad) Shaw. I think that will be a good thing for our D corps. I think he’s a perfect fit.”
A reunion with Sanheim might be a good thing, too.
“We both know how good we can be together,” York said. “We’re excited to get the season going. We know how much we can impact this team. It’s a big year for us. I think what we do impacts the team a lot. We know we have to bring it every night.”
Having Tocchet at the control board should be helpful, too.
“He seems like just a really good guy, really good hockey mind,” York said. “His staff, too. Seems like a bunch of really good guys. I think they’re a perfect fit for our group.”
Still just 24, York appears to have a bright future. Maybe Tocchet can bring out the best in him.
Tocchet is generally credited with the development of All-Star defenseman Quinn Hughes when the two were together in Vancouver. Maybe lightning can strike twice. Hughes told York that Tocchet is the real deal.
“I’ve heard great things about how Toc kind of just let him play,” York said. “I think that will benefit me a lot. I’ll have the freedom, not gripping the stick as tight. We (Hughes and York) are not the same players but the way Toc goes about things is really going to benefit me.”
“We had a defensive drill today where you have to get up in the play. The next thing you know, he (York) got the puck as the fourth guy. That can look good,” Tocchet said. “That’s how I want him to play, mind-free. I brought in Todd Reirden for a reason. He’s had a real good pedigree teaching D. I think he can really help Yorkie. I want him to take some leadership role.
“He wants to take his game to another level and I think we can help him. It starts in practice. I saw him getting up in the play, making plays. That’s what I want him to do. He has to defend but I saw some stuff off the rush I really liked.”
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