Philly Leader

Erik Johnson, a recent addition to the Philadelphia Flyers, has observed an intriguing dynamic between defenseman Travis Sanheim and forward Travis Konecny. According to Johnson, "They're like an old married couple," with their constant banter providing entertainment for teammates.

This camaraderie appears to benefit the Flyers, who currently hold a record of 14-13-4. Konecny leads the team in goals, assists, and points over 31 games. Meanwhile, Sanheim ranks fourth in the NHL for average time on ice per game among defensemen with at least 20 games played.

Both players have been selected for Team Canada in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. Reflecting on this achievement, Konecny remarked on their shared excitement: "It's really exciting...it's just an honor that they recognized us."

Their playful rivalry extends beyond professional settings. Flyers captain Sean Couturier noted that off-ice skirmishes are common between them: "I feel 'Sanny' is always the one who thinks he's smarter than 'TK' and TK tries to nag him like a little brother does."

Sanheim and Konecny's bond dates back to when they were road roommates during Sanheim's first season with the Flyers in 2017-18. They later became neighbors in Haddonfield, New Jersey. Konecny recounted how close their homes were by sharing a story about throwing limes from his porch into Sanheim's backyard.

Despite recent challenges—such as Konecny's home being destroyed by fire—their friendship remains strong. This relationship has helped them navigate both personal and professional ups and downs over eight seasons in the NHL.

Looking ahead to international competition at the 4 Nations Face-Off, their synergy may prove beneficial once again. As Sanheim expressed: "We've had a lot of success together...we just enjoy our time together."