(Kate Frese)
By Mike Witmer, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
In the 2017-18 season, the Philadelphia Flyers saw just how much depth they have in their young defensive core, and it doesn’t stop there.
Philippe Myers is one of the defenseman, like Travis Sanheim and Robert Hagg, who could make a big impact in just their rookie season in the NHL, whenever that time comes. Although Sanheim was sent down halfway through the season, his game got much stronger and made him a better player.
Myers and Sanheim have brought their great seasons to the playoffs. Despite being down two games to the Toronto Marlies in the Eastern Conference Final, their presence has been felt.
In Game 1, Myers put up two points, a goal and an assist. Sanheim also had an assist in the 4-3 loss in Game 1. In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Myers has seven points, including three goals in 11 games. Sanheim has two assists through five games played since joining the team following the Flyers playoff run.
Another good sign for Sanheim is he is playing again after having a scary moment in Game 1 of the second round. Sanheim was on the end of a knee-on-knee hit and missed the rest of the series, but has since returned to the lineup and is also playing on the top pair with Myers.
The two have quickly become the Lehigh Valley Phantoms shutdown pair, which Flyers fans should be excited to see. Between the duo of Myers and Sanheim, as well as the Flyers own top pairing of Ivan Provorov and Shayne Gostisbehere, the two pairs can improve the defensive group of the Flyers. Having a solid second pair would also possibly even take some of the pressure off of the first pair.
While it might take Myers another season before making the Flyers, it is still good to think of what could be for the future. Ron Hextall did say in his end of year interview that Myers is a player he wants a longer look for the upcoming preseason.
For Myers, it will take continued solid play, which can be difficult for a young player. But if he is able to, perhaps reaching the Flyers next season, if not out of camp then sometime in the season, is certainly possible, especially if injuries opening the door.
For Sanheim, he most likely will make the team next season from the start. He has earned a spot on the roster after helping the Flyers make it to the playoffs.
It seems that the patience that Hextall has had in developing his young defense core is starting to pay off as they have shown that they are NHL ready, if not very close to being NHL ready.
