Why Emil Andrae deserves a permanent Flyers’ roster spot

© Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesLast Friday morning Flyers fans woke to the unwelcome news that one of the highlights of the blue line this season had been sent down to the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The announcement came after the Flyers’ disappointing 7–3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday evening, a game in which Emil Andrae, fresh from a three game stint in the press box, was far from the worst performer. This decision did not prove a popular one among fans, many of whom felt the 22-year-old defenseman had earned the chance to stay up.

John Tortorella said that this decision was a “no-brainer,” that “it’s gotten too rich for him [Andrae]” and that they don’t want to risk hurting him.…