Flyers Coach Rick Tocchet Criticizes Egor Zamula for Disappointing Preseason Performance
After the Philadelphia Flyers’ preseason loss to the New York Islanders, head coach Rick Tocchet didn’t hold back in expressing his dissatisfaction with defenseman Egor Zamula’s performance.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Flyers seemed to have a clear idea of their blue line, with Zamula penciled in for the No. 5 spot. However, after a string of unimpressive showings in training camp, it’s uncertain if he will secure that role.
Throughout camp, Zamula failed to stand out as a consistent NHL-ready defenseman. Despite having 155 career NHL games under his belt, he seemed to approach the preseason with an overconfidence that led to lackluster efforts on the ice. With a crowded depth chart featuring players like Noah Juulsen and Dennis Gilbert, Zamula’s spot may be at risk.
Most of the preseason, Zamula’s play could be described as unremarkable—he didn’t make significant mistakes, but he didn’t contribute much either. That all changed in the game against the Islanders, where his performance was notably poor. Zamula struggled with puck retrieval, breakouts were sloppy, and his overall play left much to be desired. Statistically, his numbers were even worse, with the Flyers being significantly outshot and out-attempted while he was on the ice.
After the game, Tocchet didn’t mince words when addressing Zamula’s performance. “He’s got to pick it up. Yup. Definitely,” the coach said bluntly.
While it’s tempting to read too much into such a brief comment after a preseason loss, Tocchet’s statement seems to indicate that there are concerns with Zamula’s readiness. It’s possible that the coach is handling the issue internally or that despite a rough game, Zamula may still be one of the few viable options for the bottom pairing to start the season.
Tocchet also reflected on the overall struggles of the Flyers’ defense, pointing out both positive and negative aspects of their play. He mentioned the need to clean up the sloppy breakouts and risky plays that led to odd-man rushes.
The Flyers’ blue line remains a work in progress, and Zamula’s struggles are symptomatic of a larger issue. With an important season ahead in the rebuilding process, the Flyers are in search of solid, reliable depth defensemen. The position remains one of the easiest to improve, but it’s unclear whether players like Zamula, Juulsen, or Gilbert will rise to the occasion.
What’s Next for Zamula?
Tocchet’s comments shouldn’t directly influence the Flyers’ front office’s decision regarding Zamula’s place on the roster, but it’s clear that his disappointing preseason raises questions about his role. Perhaps Zamula is still adjusting to the NHL preseason intensity, or maybe he simply had a rough outing.
Ultimately, the Flyers have several defensemen vying for spots on the blue line, and it’s evident that no one has solidified themselves as a reliable contributor. With Rasmus Ristolainen’s return on the horizon, the Flyers’ defense remains a bit of a puzzle. The Flyers may need to reassess their options, but for now, they’ll likely let things play out through the season before making any decisions for the future.
Alternatively, they could give Emil Andrae a look.
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