Tony DeAngelo to be Healthy Scratched as Young Defender Makes Season Debut

One of new head coach John Tortorella's first major moves with the Philadelphia Flyers was sending defenseman Cam York to the minors. The move came as a shock to many, as the former 14th overall pick is considered by many the Flyers' top prospect.

So far in the AHL, York has posted 13 points in 20 games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, warranting a call-up. And who will ride the pine-pony? Tony DeAngelo.

The notion of DeAngelo and Tortorella butting heads is a surprise to precisely zero people. Large personalities aside, DeAngelo's biggest weakness is his defense despite fantastic offensive metrics.

For Tortorella, defense comes first regardless of offensive output. Anyone who has followed the head coach knows he has little patience for irresponsible play, which makes playing for him a unique challenge.

DeAngelo's subtraction from the Flyers' lineup is most likely a temporary fixture. Although, should they begin stringing together wins, who knows if Torts ever loosens up the leash.

Philadelphia currently sits 5 points out of last place in the Metropolitan Division with a 9-13-5 record. Sporting a 26th place -24 goal differential, the Flyers' early season successes have been totally erased, which lines up more along the expectations most had about this team.

The Flyers face-off against the Golden Knights in Vegas on Friday night before visiting the Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche, capping off their west coast road trip.

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