NHL Trade Rumors : Philadelphia Flyers defenseman attracts league-wide interest

The Philadelphia Flyers are headed towards another disappointing season. They are currently 7th in the Metropolitan Division with a 21-22-9 record. The Flyers only won 25 games in each of their previous two seasons. They are projected to improve their record this season, but will probably not make the playoffs.

Given their recent woes, the Philadelphia Flyers are expected to be sellers prior to the NHL trade deadline on March 3. Veterans like Kevin Hayes, James van Riemsdyk and Ivan Provorov might be traded if the Flyers receive get suitable offers from interested teams.

According to Emily Kaplan of ESPN, Flyers blueliner Nick Seeler is drawing interest from teams league-wide. The 29 year-old defenseman has been a decent depth player for the Flyers. He has 10 points in 49 games this season, and is averaging close to 15 minutes of ice time per game. He has also recorded 86 blocked shots and 79 hits. He is a very physical player who does not shy away from the rough stuff.

Seeler was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the fifth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in a game against the New York Rangers in February 2011.

Seeler was claimed by the Chicago Blackhawks in February 2020 after being placed on waivers by the Wild. He signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Philadelphia Flyers for $750,000 on July 18, 2021. He became a fan favorite and gained the respect of his teammates, which led to him signing a two-year, $1.5 million extension on May 20, 2022.

His contract has a salary cap hit of $775,000, which makes him a cost-effective pickup for any team competing for the Stanley Cup.

Philadelphia Flyers convey future plans to fans

Philadelphia Flyers fans gather outside the Wells Fargo Center

Head Coach John Tortorella sent an open letter to Flyers' season-ticket holders about the current state of the team and what lies ahead.

"I'm not going to lie to you -- and I want to be clear about this -- we're not there yet," Tortorella wrote in the letter

The coach praised the young players on the team who have taken up big responsibilities and are developing to become crucial players in the future. Simultaneously, veterans on the team have been challenged to be better role models for the younger players on the team. Tortorella is happy with how they have responded.

"some kids who have impressed me. Some who have taken on heavy minutes and big responsibilities,this development of our young players is absolutely crucial for our future."