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In this edition of our 2023-24 Philadelphia Flyers player grading series, we take a look at 30-year-old defenseman Nick Seeler. He has had a wild journey in the NHL, stepping away from the game in 2020-21, but he has seemingly found himself a home in the City of Brotherly Love. What grade does he deserve for his most recent campaign?
Seeler Takes the Next Step in His Career
Seeler’s 2022-23 campaign was a breakout for him, yet he only had an average time on ice (ATOI) of 14:29 – just three seconds off from the highest total of his career. Entering his age-30 campaign in 2023-24, he only had 225 contests of NHL experience to his name.
Regardless of his status as not much more than a depth defender, he took strides to become a true NHL defenseman for the Orange and Black in 2022-23. He had a team-best 2.26 expected goals against per 60 (xGA/60) and a third-best expected goals percentage (xGF%) of 51.6 among players with at least 500 minutes of ice time.
Seeler was one of the few bright spots for Philadelphia that season, but whether or not he could sustain this play was uncertain. It’s not rare for a depth player to suddenly have a good campaign and then never return to that level. For the veteran defender, that could not have been further from the case.
Instead of having a rather limited third-pairing role for the Flyers, Seeler was a common fixture on the second pair. Some players might not be able to handle this increase in responsibility, but for Seeler, that was probably the best thing that could have happened to him.
He worked his magic with Sean Walker to the tune of a 55.9 xGF% by his side. Out of the 104 defensive pairings that played at least 300 minutes, they ranked 11th in xGF%. It wasn’t for their shutdown abilities, either – they ironically graded out better offensively. Seeler, an excellent defensive defenseman, was the perfect complement to Walker who did a lot of his best work in the neutral and offensive zones. They made for an amazing duo, but unfortunately, they were separated after the trade deadline.
Among the 145 defensemen who played at least 1,000 minutes at even strength, Seeler ranked 33rd in individual xGA/60 and 24th in xGF%. Though he only had an even-strength ATOI of 14:53–the 14th-lowest mark of these players–what he was able to accomplish was impressive. As a career depth defender, he took on the most difficult role during his time in the NHL and flourished. He has officially taken the next step.
Seeler’s Extension & How it Affects the Future
For Seeler’s excellence, he was extended to a four-year, $2.7 million average annual value deal on March 6, 2024. With back-to-back seasons of great play, it’s hard to say that it wasn’t deserved. He is a tough-as-nails defender who will put his body on the line for anything.
That last point could end up being an issue, though. He loves to block shots, so much so that he had 205 on the season. Despite missing 11 games due to injury–of course, from blocking a shot–he ranked fifth in the NHL in the stat. Durability might end up being an issue playing such a physically demanding role, and that’s especially the case for a player in his 30s.
With the downside out of the way, Seeler gives the Flyers nastiness in a great way. He is both great at what he does and is an energy player. When the Flyers went down 5-1 in a game against the Detroit Red Wings, he had a fight, got an instigator penalty, and lost his mind at the officials for that extra minor. He got ejected as a result, but it served as a subtle spark that eventually helped the Flyers take a 6-5 lead.
That comeback might mostly be a coincidence, but the level of energy he brings no matter the score says a lot about him as an athlete. He bleeds hockey, and it is an amazing thing to watch on a game-by-game basis. Whether or not a rebuilding team should be extending their veterans, his case is unique.
Seeler’s Final Grade
While Seeler didn’t quite go up against the toughest competition, his great results are undeniable. He is one of the best pure shutdown defenders the Flyers have had to offer in quite some time, so he earned a B-plus grade for his efforts. In 2024-25 and beyond, hopefully, he can help with the development of some young players, namely Jamie Drysdale.
More must-reads:
- Carter Hart, others found not guilty in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial
- Hurricanes take care of business, sign star winger to lucrative eight-year extension
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
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Top Insider Expects Maple Leafs to Take Major Swing' to Improve Their Roster
Insider Nick Alberga stated in a report posted on Leafs Nation that the Toronto Maple Leafs will take a 'major swing' to improve their roster next summer. After seeing Mitch Marner sign a long-term contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, it's safe to say that Toronto Maple Leafs fans have seen their favorite team in better shape. Marner scored nearly 100 points a season since joining the team, and won't be easily replaced, this year at least. While there are some interesting names out there, the Leafs don't have many trade assets, and already used the cap space created by Marner's departure to sign three other players: Dakota Joshua, Matias Maccelli, Michael Pezzetta. Combining all their salaries, along with Roy's, nearly matches the one the Leafs were paying Marner last year. Although these players could play a big role in Toronto next season, they're no Mitch Marner. The insider Nick Alberga revealed in a recent paper published on Leafs Nation that the General Manager of the team Brad Treliving could be waiting for next summer before making a big acquisition that would change the face of his team. Indeed, in less than a year, one of the most impressive free agent classes will enter the market, with names such as Martin Necas, Alex Tuch, Adrian Kempe, Mike Matheson, and many more. Please note that other big picture players such as Connor McDavid and Lane Hutson weren't included in the list because it would be surprising to see them enter the market in spite of their current contracts expiring at the end of the next season. With the raise in the NHL cap, the Leafs will have around $24 million available next summer, indicating a big acquisition isn't off the table for Treliving and Toronto. The expectations will be high in Toronto. The 2026 summer will be a crucial offseason for the Leafs. After the next season, there will only be two years remaining on Auston Matthews' $13M AAV deal. If nothing happens in that window, fans won't be happy, and management will likely take another route, once again.
Knicks Primed to Land Former All-Star in Free Agency as Potential Buyout Looms
Who doesn't love playing in a big market like New York, Los Angeles, and some of the other prime destinations that the NBA has to offer? Kevin Love certainly doesn't mind them. In fact, the former All-Star prefers them. Jake Fischer recently offered insight into where the aging big man may end up as his next destination. The NBA insider reaffirmed previous reports that stated Love prefers a big market. Fischer said, "So with Kevin Love, to my understanding, he really only wants to be in the big glamour markets. I do think it would mostly be something along the lines of Kevin Love going to a New York or a Los Angeles type of situation. So, we'll see if that can materialize for him." With the New York Knicks still in the market for a boost to their depth, Love could be a natural connection for the team to explore. The recently-traded big man will await his buyout from the Utah Jazz. If or when those terms are settled, the Knicks could add the former champion to a spot on the bench. Veteran presence of Kevin Love not without value for New York Love is certainly long past his days as a double-double machine, like he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The floor-spacing big man is not even what he used to be with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, writing him off entirely would be unwise. If there is not key thing Love can still offer to any team, it is undoubtedly his 3-point shooting. The 36-year-old shot 35.8 percent from beyond the arc last season for the Miami Heat. No one is saying to offer Love a prominent bench role, or anything of the sort. However, when the situation calls for an offensive lift and a spaced out floor, the former top five pick can still fit the bill in that scenario.
Steelers rookie Will Howard may have already moved up the depth chart
Pittsburgh Steelers training camp is in full swing, and it’s already been full of excitement. With many new faces on the roster, fans are eager to see how these additions will fit in. After a busy and eventful offseason, training camp serves as the perfect opportunity for all the anticipation surrounding the team to start coming together on the field. One of the most talked-about positions for the Steelers this offseason has been quarterback. The team completely overhauled the position, leading to plenty of uncertainty and speculation early on. While the Steelers were strongly linked to Aaron Rodgers for some time, no official deal had been made by the start of the 2025 NFL Draft. Amid the uncertainty, the team made a bold decision by selecting Will Howard out of Ohio State, bringing in a new face and creating even more talk about the future of the position. Because the Steelers picked Howard late in the draft, there were questions about what his role on the team would be. Even before Rodgers signed, it was clear Howard wouldn’t be the starter. However, during a recent 7 shots drill, Howard unexpectedly took reps with the third team, raising more questions about where he might fit in. Rodgers is clearly locked in as the starting quarterback, with the hope that he can stay healthy throughout the entire season. Earlier in the offseason, he mentioned that this would likely be his final year, though he expressed excitement about the opportunity to play for a franchise like the Steelers. That said, Rodgers has always been unpredictable, and there’s still a chance his career may continue beyond this season. Regardless of what the future holds, his experience and football knowledge are incredibly valuable to the other quarterbacks on the roster, and they’ve made it clear how much they appreciate having him around. Mason Rudolph is expected to be the primary backup behind Rodgers this season. Rudolph was originally drafted by the Steelers and has spent most of his career in Pittsburgh as a dependable backup. However, he’s also shown he can step up when needed, filling in during important games and leading the team when called upon. Rudolph spent last season with the Tennessee Titans, gaining additional experience outside of Pittsburgh. After that brief stint, he re-signed with the Steelers early in the offseason, bringing familiarity, veteran presence and stability to the quarterback room behind Rodgers. Rudolph recently shared that Rodgers has been both incredibly helpful and genuinely friendly since joining the team. Many expected Skylar Thompson, another veteran backup the Steelers signed this offseason, to be next in line on the depth chart. However, with Howard now taking third-team reps, he could move up the depth chart as the season progresses. Rookies bring an element of unpredictability since they’re adjusting to a completely new environment and haven’t yet played in professional games. It’s hard to know how they’ll perform until they get real field experience. If Howard continues to perform well, there’s no reason he shouldn’t climb higher on the depth chart. It’s unlikely that Howard will get much playing time this year, but that doesn’t mean this season isn’t important for him. Learning from a player like Rodgers is incredibly valuable, and Howard has shared how grateful he is to have Rodgers as a mentor. Even if he doesn’t take the field this season, the experience and knowledge he gains behind the scenes could greatly influence his opportunities for playing time down the road. Steelers' future at QB likely isn't on the roster The Steelers were connected to several quarterbacks in this year’s draft class, and the situation drew plenty of attention due to the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers at the time. Although the team eventually signed Rodgers and selected Howard in the later rounds, it seems the search for a long-term franchise quarterback may still be ongoing. Rodgers is only on a one-year deal, and reports have already surfaced that the Steelers are eyeing next year’s quarterback draft class. Opinions on Howard vary, as some view him as a potential career backup, while others are optimistic about his upside and believe he could develop into a solid starting option in the future. Will Howard prove himself and continue to move up the depth chart?
Helsley To Philadelphia? Why Cardinals-Phillies Trade Makes Sense
The St. Louis Cardinals are in a very interesting spot this season as the trade deadline rapidly approaches. They have a few pieces on the roster that they could look to trade away in the next few days, but nobdoy stands out like a trade piece more than closer Ryan Helsley. Helsley sits on an expiring contract and is projected to sign for $81 million in free agency next winter, per Spotrac. At that price tag, it's unlikely the Cardinals will re-sign him, so trading him now makes the most sense. Plus, relievers are typically the most sought-after players at the deadline. Trading Helsley could net the Cardinals a star or two in return. One team that makes a lot of sense as a suitor for Helsley is the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies need to add a closer after Jose Alvarado was suspended for half the season and the entire postseason because of a failed drug test. Beyond closer, the Phillies are stacked with talent. Adding Helsley would be the cherry on top of an excellent year in the City of Brotherly Love. In return, the Cardinals could look to land a deal for talented outfield prospect Justin Crawford. Crawford is a speed and glove-first outfielder with elite athleticism and a solid bat. He's crushed Triple-A pitching this season and is hitting well over .300 with an on-base percentage over .400. The only issue with adding Crawford is that he's very similar to Victor Scott II. While this could be an issue, Scott has been excellent, so adding a younger version that plays the game very similarly to Scott could be a huge addition for the Cardinals.
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