Ahead of the March 8 NHL trade deadline, the Philadelphia Flyers must make a few crucial decisions. And the final decision they make may have an effect on multiple competitors looking to improve their blue line.
Unless they sign new contracts before then, the Flyers’ two excellent defenseman, Nick Seeler and Sean Walker, will be unrestricted free agents this summer.
The Flyers were a rebuilding team when the season started, but as of Monday, they lead the New Jersey Devils by five points for the third and last postseason position in the Metropolitan Division. So far, they are ahead of plan.
Should Philadelphia make a deal before the deadline or hold out and hope that Walker or Seeler resigns? Alternatively, should they take a longer view of the trade deadline and trade Walker and/or Seeler in order to accumulate assets for the future? Both strategies have a compelling case to be made.
There should be no shortage of suitors if the Flyers decide to move one of these two defensemen. Both are seasoned players who can play 16–20 minutes a night and have a hard style of hockey. They also kill penalties.
Over the weekend, Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period gave an update on the Seeler/Walker situation in Philadelphia. He states that the Boston Bruins should show interest in Walker if he is not able to negotiate a contract before the deadline and his price reduces.
Another defenseman is the Bruins’ most pressing need on trade deadline day. In addition to Derek Forbort having trouble in the defensive zone, Hampus Lindholm and Matt Grzelcyk are also injured (particularly on the penalty kill). A defenseman who kills penalties, wins puck fights in difficult areas of the ice, and clears traffic in front of the net would be the perfect addition for the Bruins around the trade deadline.
Walker is a good fit for that role and has a somewhat higher offensive threshold than Seeler. Walker is on track to eclipse his career high of 24 points, which he set in 2019–20 while playing for the Los Angeles Kings, with 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) in 59 games.
