With just three days left until the trade deadline, the Philadelphia Flyers are facing increasing uncertainty regarding the futures of defensemen Sean Walker and Nick Seeler. While there have been discussions about re-signing both players, negotiations have hit roadblocks. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, it is becoming “increasingly unlikely” that both Walker and Seeler will remain with the team in orange and black.
The Flyers are actively fielding trade offers for both players, and the front office is meticulously weighing the potential return in trades against the prospect of contract extensions. Seravalli suggests that one of them is “likely” to be traded before the deadline at 3:00 PM on Friday. He also notes that the price to retain both players is high. He suggested Walker could be asking upwards of $5 million per season.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet’s “32 Thoughts” column revealed that Seeler’s contract demands might exceed what the Flyers are willing to offer, while Walker is seeking a longer-term than the team is currently considering. Both defensemen have played well together, but the Flyers are conscious of balancing their contributions against future organizational needs.
Complicating matters further, Seeler suffered an injury in Monday night’s game against the St. Louis Blues. Although he returned for the start of the third period, he did not take a shift in the final half of the period. The 30-year-old defenseman sustained the injury while blocking a shot from Colton Parayko off his left ankle, resulting in visible pain and difficulty standing on two feet.
What Will the Flyers Ultimately Do With Walker and Seeler at the Trade Deadline?
As the trade deadline approaches, the Flyers find themselves at a crucial juncture, navigating contract negotiations, potential trades, and assessing the impact of injuries on their defensive lineup. They are playing well enough to be buyers, but most expect them to remain sellers.
The next few days will likely determine the fate of Walker and Seeler within the Flyers organization.
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