Bruins Trade Rumors: Boston Linked to Flyers Trade Candidate

The Boston Bruins don't have a lot of assets available to trade, but they are still looking at ways to improve by the March 8 deadline. One spot they're looking for reinforcements is on the blue line, and according to hockey insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, they have their eyes on a Philadelphia Flyers defenseman.

As the #LetsGoFlyers try to get Nick Seeler signed to an extension, they still haven’t formally started discussions with Sean Walker’s camp. If he isn’t signed by the deadline, and the price tag for him on the trade market drops, expect the #NHLBruins to engage.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 24, 2024

Pagnotta notes that while one of Philly's pending UFA rearguards, Nick Seeler, is currently engaged in extension talks, Sean Walker, who has a higher value on the trade market, is still out there, and formal extension talks with him haven't even begun. With less than two weeks to go, it appears that Walker could be had for the right price. Ah, but that is the rub.

We reported a week ago that the Flyers are now hoping to get a first-round pick for Walker or at worst a high second-round selection. That price tag would be a problem for the Bruins, who don't have a first or second-round pick until 2026.

However, with a lot of ground to make up on a possible extension, one has to wonder if the Flyers will drop their price a bit for Walker, rather than risk losing him for nothing after the season. He's been a solid contributor this season, posting 20 points and a plus-minus rating of +11 in 57 games, while playing 19 1/2 minutes a night.

As for Boston, the Bruins' blue line has been rocked with injuries this season, and they could certainly use a solid contributor on the backend to help fortify the D-corps. Hometown kid Noah Hanifin of the Calgary Flames is the dream target, but Walker is a more-than-solid backup plan. GM Don Sweeney, however, will have to get creative.

Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports