Nick Seeler

With the trade deadline now just a few weeks away, speculation has started to swirl about some of the prominent players that could be on the move in the coming days.  But the deadline certainly isn’t just about top-end talent as playoff-bound teams are often looking to shore up their depth as well.  One player that fits the depth designation is Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler and ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reports that teams are showing interest in the blueliner.

The 29-year-old has been a regular most nights on the back end for Philadelphia as he has suited up in 49 games so far, the second-most of his career.  Seeler has set career highs offensively with three goals and seven assists while recording 86 blocks and 79 hits while averaging a little over 14 minutes a night.

Those numbers don’t certainly stand out but there is a number that applies to Seeler that does – a cap hit of $775K, just $25K above the league minimum salary.  Even for teams that are right against the Upper Limit of the salary cap, that’s the type of contract that most will be able to afford which should help drum up some interest.

Seeler has one year left on his deal after this one and with Yegor Zamula and Ronnie Attard currently in the minors, it would make some sense for the Flyers to open up a spot for one of those youngsters for the stretch run.  If they can do so and pick up what would likely be a later-round draft pick, all the better.  While James van Riemsdyk will likely draw the most attention in the coming weeks, Seeler will be a player to keep an eye on as well.

The Philadelphia Flyers have brought back a depth defenseman, signing Nick Seeler to a two-year extension that will carry an average annual value of $775K.In the press release, it indicates that the deal is one-way/two-way, presumably meaning that in 2022-23 Seeler will be on a one-way contract, and in 2023-24 he will be on a two-way.

Seeler, 28, saw considerable playing time this season, appearing in 43 games with the Flyers. Though he averaged just over 13 minutes in those contests he was still relatively effective, racking up blocks and hits at a good rate while providing another option on the penalty kill. There’s no mistaking Seeler for a top-pairing option, but at this price, he doesn’t have to be.

In fact, there’s no guarantee he even sees the lineup as often next season given the situation the Flyers currently find themselves in. Cam York and Ronnie Attard will both likely push for full-time minutes, while the team still expects Ryan Ellis to return to full strength at some point. That would already give the team six NHL options before even considering any additions made in free agency, or a young player like Yegor Zamula taking a considerable step in his development.

For Seeler, the two-year term provides a bit of security, and $775K would be the highest salary of his career to this point.