Insider: Flyers Could Take Different Path With Sean Walker

When the Philadelphia Flyers obtained veteran defenseman Sean Walker in a big three-team offseason trade, it was thought that the rebuilding team would use him as trade bait at the deadline this season, and a report just this week indicated that he was a prime name to watch on the Philly trade block. 

But a funny thing happened along the way, and Walker is now arguably the team's second-best defenseman, with 10 points in 20 games and a plus-6 rating. And according to Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, GM Danny Briere is now even considering re-signing the impending free agent. 

Speaking with those close to the situation, the Flyers are now evaluating all avenues with Walker, including potentially re-signing him. While we are a ways away from any possible extension and the Flyers need much more time to evaluate things, it isn’t completely out of the question that Walker could be retained by the club. This would also depend on the player, who may want to test free agency after such a good season, as one person suggested to me.

Pagnotta added that the right-shot blueliner, even if he is eventually dealt, will certainly not come cheaply.

"The Flyers will not entertain parting with him for just a mid-round pick or a return comparable to it. With the way Walker has played, it will take a first-round pick (or close to it in terms of value) to entice the Flyers to pull the trigger," writes Pagnotta.

In general, the Flyers are open for business, and ready to talk turkey, so to speak, even though Thanksgiving is over. Many players on the team are available for the right price. But for Walker, it appears, that price will be a hefty one. 

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