Flyers Trade Rumors: Sean Walker Asking Price Has Soared

While a number of teams remained linked to Sean Walker on the trade market, the question still remains: Will the Philadelphia Flyers actually trade him, or due to his crucial role this year on the blueline, will they actually commit to re-signing him?

A lot will depend, of course, on what Flyers GM Danny Briere is able to rustle up on the trade market. And as the season has unfolded, and Walker's importance to the team has blossomed, the price of obtaining him has skyrocketed. 

Coming into the season, notes NHL insider Jeff Marek of Sportsnet, the pending UFA might only have been able to fetch a low-level draft pick. But all that has changed:

Where once Philly may have looked at Walker as a trade chip that would bring back a fourth- or fifth-round pick, that ship has sailed. It is very much believed they’re hoping to get a first-round pick for Walker or at worst a high second-round selection. If they can’t get that or an equivalent prospect, I could see the Flyers keeping him for the remainder of the season and a playoff push.

With his status as one of the top D-men on the market, it's no surprise to hear how Walker's value has soared. More than a handful of teams have been pursuing him, but it's possible that Briere may decide to disappoint them all, writes Marek.

"I wonder if they end up signing Walker to an extension. Based on his play this season he’s probably priced himself into the $4-5 million range."

Walker's four-year, $10.6 million deal ($2.65 million AAV) is set to expire at season's end. The 29-year-old is having a tremendous season in Philly, being relied on for an average of 19 1/2 minutes per night, while recording 20 points in 56 games along with a plus-minus rating of +10.

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