Emil Andrae Bio
Emil Valentin Andrae (born February 23, 2002) is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman who plays for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract with the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). A smooth-skating, offensively minded defenceman, Andrae was selected 54th overall by the Flyers in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut on October 14, 2023, against the Ottawa Senators and has since become one of the more closely followed young Swedish blueliners in the Flyers organization.
Early Life and Background
Emil Valentin Andrae was born on February 23, 2002, in Västervik, a coastal town in the Småland region of southeastern Sweden. He grew up in the same community where he first learned to skate and handle a stick, and the local ice rink became a central part of his childhood. From an early age, Andrae stood out for his poise with the puck, a skill that coaches in the area quickly recognized.
He began his organized hockey career with Västerviks IK, the hometown club that gave him his earliest platform to develop his game. The Swedish hockey system, known for its strong youth development, allowed Andrae to progress steadily through age-group competition. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds, he learned to rely on his skating, hockey sense, and positioning rather than size, traits that would later define his style as a professional.
Path to Hockey
Ahead of the 2017–18 season, Andrae made his first significant move away from home, joining IK Oskarshamn of the HockeyAllsvenskan league. Spending one season with Oskarshamn gave him his first taste of senior-level competition and helped him adjust to the demands of playing against older and more experienced opponents. The brief but valuable experience prepared him for the next step in his development.
After his single season in Oskarshamn, Andrae transferred to HV71, one of the most respected development clubs in Swedish hockey. On March 27, 2020, he signed his first professional contract with HV71, formally beginning his professional career. His time with HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League allowed him to face top domestic competition and helped establish him as a prospect worthy of NHL attention. He was selected 54th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, validating the work he had put in during his formative years in Sweden.
Emil Andrae Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Andrae’s early professional years were spent splitting time between IK Oskarshamn and HV71, two clubs that helped shape his two-way game. During his lone season with Oskarshamn, he gained confidence playing against men, adjusting to the pace and physicality required at the professional level. The experience proved brief but essential in his progression.
At HV71, Andrae became a regular contributor on the back end, logging significant minutes in the Swedish Hockey League. His ability to move the puck cleanly and join the attack drew the attention of NHL scouts. The 2020 NHL Entry Draft represented the culmination of this development phase, as the Philadelphia Flyers selected him 54th overall, trusting that his offensive instincts and skating would translate to the North American game.
AHL Transition and NHL Debut (2020–2024)
Following the completion of the 2022–23 season with HV71, Andrae was initially signed to a professional tryout contract to join the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers’ AHL affiliate. Shortly after making his North American debut with the Phantoms, on March 27, 2023, he was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers beginning in the 2023–24 season. The contract solidified his place within the organization.
Andrae played his first NHL game on October 14, 2023, against the Ottawa Senators, a milestone that capped years of steady development. He appeared in four games for the Flyers during the 2023–24 season before being reassigned to the Phantoms, where he completed his first full season of professional hockey in North America. The split season gave him the chance to adjust to the smaller North American rink and the faster pace of the AHL.
Second NHL Season (2024–2025)
In his second year under contract with the Flyers, Andrae saw more substantial playing time at the NHL level, appearing in 42 games for the team. He recorded his first career NHL point on October 29, 2024, assisting on Tyson Foerster’s game-winning goal in a 2-0 shutout victory over the Boston Bruins. The milestone was a long-awaited reward for the young defenceman’s patience and development.
Less than a month later, on November 25, 2024, Andrae scored his first NHL goal in a 5-4 shootout loss against the Vegas Golden Knights. The goal cemented his growing role within the Flyers lineup and confirmed the offensive ability that had marked his progression through the Swedish system. By the end of 2024, he had established himself as a regular contributor on the Philadelphia blue line.
Driving Style and Strengths
Andrae is recognized for his smooth skating, calm puck distribution, and ability to quarterback a power play from the back end. Despite his modest size, he plays with confidence in all three zones and is rarely caught out of position. His offensive instincts allow him to jump into the rush and create plays, while his maturity and hockey IQ make him a reliable presence in his own zone.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Andrae’s career include his 54th overall selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, his NHL debut on October 14, 2023, his first NHL point on October 29, 2024, and his first NHL goal on November 25, 2024. Each of these moments represented significant steps in his journey from a small Swedish town to the highest level of professional hockey.
Emil Andrae International Play
Emil Andrae has represented Sweden twice at the IIHF World Junior Championships, first in 2021 and then again in 2022. He served as captain of the bronze medal-winning Swedish team in 2022, demonstrating the leadership qualities that had been evident throughout his junior career.
World Junior Championships
During the 2022 World Juniors, Andrae was named to the Media All-Star team and tied with Connor Bedard for ninth overall scoring in the tournament. His captaincy and offensive contributions helped Sweden capture a bronze medal, further enhancing his reputation as a top Swedish prospect.
Emil Andrae Family
Personal Life
Emil Andrae was born and raised in Västervik, Småland, Sweden, the same community where he first laced up his skates. He has spent much of his young adult life moving between Swedish cities and North America to pursue his professional hockey career.
2025 Season Performance
As the 2025 calendar year progresses, Emil Andrae continues to balance time between the Philadelphia Flyers and their AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. His expanded role with the Flyers during the 2024–25 season, including 42 games played, marked a significant step forward in his development. The early offensive production, highlighted by his first NHL goal and point, suggests a growing comfort level at the highest level.
Andrae’s progression through the Flyers organization remains a key storyline for the team’s defensive depth. With his entry-level contract running through the 2025–26 season, the organization is expected to continue giving him opportunities to refine his game in the NHL while using the Phantoms as a development tool. His international experience, including captaining Sweden at the 2022 World Juniors, positions him as a candidate for a more permanent role on the Philadelphia blue line.
Looking ahead, Andrae’s focus will be on consistency, two-way reliability, and continuing to contribute offensively from the back end. If his 2024–25 trajectory holds, he is likely to remain a regular presence in the Flyers’ lineup throughout the 2025 portion of the season and beyond.