Philly Leader

Travis Sanheim, defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers, is making a strong case for inclusion in Canada's roster for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. The tournament will take place in Boston and Montreal from February 12-20. Sanheim has been delivering notable performances this season, highlighted by his recent streak of points across three consecutive games, including two goals and four assists.

In a recent match against the Colorado Avalanche, Sanheim logged 31:07 minutes on ice, marking the highest time recorded by any skater in a regulation game this season. Overall, he ranks third on the Flyers with 12 points (five goals and seven assists) and maintains an average ice time of 25:35 per game.

Sanheim expressed modesty regarding his potential selection for Team Canada. "It's not something that I've really been too concerned about," he said. "If I do get named, it would be obviously just a really proud moment for me."

Flyers coach John Tortorella has high praise for Sanheim's performance. "I hope Hockey Canada is watching," Tortorella stated. "He's taken off. He's got a level of confidence that is just outstanding." Tortorella added that initially, he saw Sanheim as merely a good skater but now acknowledges his comprehensive skill set.

During Tortorella's first season with the Flyers in 2022-23, Sanheim faced challenges including reduced ice time and trade rumors. However, through determination and adjustments guided by associate coach Brad Shaw, Sanheim achieved career highs last season with ten goals and 44 points over 81 games.

Sanheim credits his improvement to understanding Tortorella's expectations better over time. "I think I got to a point last season where I was just so comfortable with where my game was," he noted.

Shaw commended Sanheim's growth: "He plays physical. There's really nothing that he's not doing right now." While international play isn't currently at the forefront of Sanheim's focus, earning a spot at the 4 Nations tournament would be significant recognition of his achievements.

Reflecting on competing alongside top Canadian players like Cale Makar and Connor McDavid, Sanheim remarked on how being considered among them feels almost surreal: "Something that I didn't even think was possible."

Coach Tortorella also acknowledged Sanheim's transformation into one of his biggest supporters: "He has grown, and there's more there."