The highest assist total Cam York has ever accrued in an NHL season is 20. This season, he already has eight in 11 games.

Luck of the draw? Right place at the right time? Fortunate bounces?

It might have a lot more to do with him being more aggressive and the way new coach Rick Tocchet is using him in the game plan.

The 24-year-old defenseman has been given more freedom in different situations. He’s allowed to carry the puck deeper into the offensive zone, and that’s led to setting up forwards for quality scoring chances. He’s also getting more power-play time than he did under former coach John Tortorella, at 1:54 per game this year compared to just nine seconds last year. And he’s returned to being a steady partner for top defenseman Travis Sanheim on the No. 1 pairing.

It all adds u

See Full Page