General Manager Danny Briere will have a busy couple of months with the trade deadline around the corner and continued noise surrounding the organization.
General Manager Danny Briere will have a busy couple of months with the trade deadline around the corner and continued noise surrounding the organization.
The Philadelphia Flyers have an unexpectedly reliable defensive core this season, which will be something to monitor as the second half progresses, with Nick Seeler and Sean Walker leading the way, along with new addition Jamie Drysdale.
After acquiring Drysdale from the Anaheim Ducks for Cutter Gauthier and a 2025 second-round pick, the backend is finding its stride, opening up lots of possibilities for the Flyers' rookie executives.
It was speculated that both defensemen, Nick Seeler and Sean Walker, would be front runners to be dealt at the trade deadline. However, Sportsnet Insider Elliott Friedman believes otherwise.
Danny Briere and the Flyers brass value their players; it is just a matter of figuring out where they want to go. Drysdale adds another piece to the puzzle. Where are they heading long term? Reportedly, the club sees a future with Seeler and is looking to re-sign him ahead of anyone else.
"Philly got a positive jolt with Drysdale's arrival. I really wonder if they try to get Seeler done [re-signed]." Elliott Friedman said on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. "To me, the guy they really try to get done...I think, Seeler. That's one a couple of teams told me."
Since dawning the orange and black, Seeler has revived his career with the help of Associate coach Brad Shaw, among countless others. The Flyers, rather than shopping the 30-year-old, are looking to re-sign him. He is currently in the last year of a two-year, $1,550,000 million deal, in which he would be a UFA this summer.
"What does that mean for Walker? I don't know, but teams told me they are trying to get at least Seeler done." Friedman told Jeff Marek on 32 Thoughts.
Walker is a big name in the mix to be dealt at the trade deadline. There is no questioning that. However, the Flyers would bring both defensemen back and re-sign them if at all possible. Walker was a cap dump laid on the Flyers from Los Angeles and the fresh start has done wonders for the 29-year-old right-shot defenseman.
Jeff Marek added the Flyers may try to extend the left-hand shot defensemen they already have. "That doesn't surprise me about Seeler." Jeff Marek said on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. "We all know what Philadelphia wants to build and the kind of players they want to build around. Seeler fits that identity."
Seeler embodies and fits the mould of a Philadelphia Flyer. Not known to be a high-scoring defenseman, he has 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) in 120 games. He had an incredible first year in his new contract, with ten assists and 14 points in 77 games. He is a true leader and can get his teammates going with a fight or a momentum-changing play.
What was an almost "fire sale" this season may turn into the Flyers looking to 'Seel the Deal' and extend some players in Philadelphia rather than shipping them out, pushing a strong locker room closer together.
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