Travis Sanheim, a defenseman for the Flyers, recently won his second Barry Ashbee Trophy, an award given to the team’s best blueliner. He managed to bounce back from a disappointing year in the previous season to arguably have the best season of his NHL career so far in 2023-24.

Like many other players, Sanheim’s successful season began when he arrived at training camp in peak physical condition. He put on more muscle during the previous summer and excelled in the particularly demanding training camp, which head coach John Tortorella deems vital for a fruitful season ahead.

Danny Briere, the general manager of the Flyers, recalled, “In terms of fitness, he was one of the most well-conditioned players to arrive and his performance in the preseason really excited us.”

In the 2023-24 season, Sanheim set new personal records in offensive production, scoring 10 goals and 34 assists to total 44 points. He was the top player in the Flyers team, averaging 23:48 minutes of ice time each game. Only John Carlson, a defenseman for the Washington Capitals, spent more time on the ice per game (26:01) than Sanheim (25:55) among all position players in the NHL during the first two months of the season.

Sanheim has alternated between left and right defense throughout his NHL career, although he has primarily played on the left in recent years. However, this changed in the 2023-24 season when Sanheim predominantly played right defense. This switch allowed Cam York, the 2019 first-round pick, to play on the left side where he is much more at ease.

In the past year, significant progress was noted in the coach-player relationship between Sanheim and head coach John Tortorella, with the level of mutual trust between them greatly improving. Tortorella admitted that they experienced some difficulties during their first season in 2022-23. However, through open and honest conversations, they were able to develop a better understanding of each other’s needs, thereby strengthening their relationship.

Tortorella stated in early October, “I was aspiring for a higher standard. Sanny wasn’t resisting this, he was actually striving to reach it. However, it was somewhat challenging.”

Sanheim, for his part, stated, “It wasn’t that he disliked me or we had a strained relationship, we just needed time to understand each other.”

Sanheim disregarded trade rumors last summer as he embarked on the first season of a multi-year extension. He enhanced his communication with the head coach and devoted his entire focus on preparing for the upcoming season.

Although the way the season ended for the team was a disappointment for everyone, the results were gratifying.

“Sanheim stated, ‘Our affection for that group is immense and we wished it would never end. Every day we arrived at the rink, we cherished and enjoyed every moment. I believe that’s a positive thing and something we can carry forward.”

Although the way the season concluded for the team was a disappointment for everyone, the results were still satisfying.

“Sanheim expressed his affection for the group and his reluctance for their gatherings to end. “Every day we arrived at the rink was enjoyable, and we cherished it. I believe this is a positive aspect that we can carry into the future,” he said.

Reflecting on last season’s events during Exit Day, Sanheim expressed that he believed there was significant overall progress. He specifically noted the improvement of his partnership with York.

“Yorkie and I really wanted that. We wanted to be carrying a load and to play a significant role. It’s clear that the ending was disappointing. However, for the most part, I’m quite satisfied with how Yorkie and I performed, even down the stretch,” said Sanheim.

Saheim, currently 28 years old and set to turn 29 on March 29, 2025, is on the brink of reaching 500 games in his NHL career, with the milestone expected to be reached early in the 2024-25 season. He has so far played 497 games. A decade has passed since the Flyers picked the Elkhorn, Manitoba native 17th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft in Philadelphia.

Reflecting on his past, Sanheim recalled in an episode of the Flyers Daily podcast last year, “It’s pretty amazing that I was drafted to play right here in Philly by the very team I was set to play for. Not many players have that experience, so it’s certainly something I’ve always treasured and something for which my family is thankful.”

Over the last decade, a lot has changed for Sanheim.

On the rink, his progression has been from a young teen transitioning from a junior defenseman for WHL’s Calgary Hitmen to a seasoned, quiet leader on the Flyers’ NHL defense. Inside the locker room, he’s fostered close relationships with a generation of teammates he’s risen with through the Flyers system, hoping to maintain these friendships for life, regardless of where their hockey careers lead them. His bond with Travis Konecny is particularly strong, with the two being inseparable. Off the ice, Sanheim recently tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend, Alex, in Manitoba.

Sanheim, having just completed his best season yet and with seven years still left on his contract, can look forward to a relatively secure career in the near future. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment of a subpar season, he has the opportunity to concentrate on surpassing his achievements from 2023-24.

Sanheim is currently at the peak of his NHL career. In order for the Flyers’ reconstruction efforts to progress and re-establish the team as a credible playoff contender, Sanheim needs to be one of the main contributors.