Insider: One Key Trade Candidate Could Be Coming Off The Market in Philly

The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the most scouted teams as we head down the stretch to the trade deadline in less than two weeks, and one player many eyes have been on—and it's been that way pretty much all season—is defenseman Nick Seeler.

The impending unrestricted free agent has been labelled as one of the most likely players to be traded by March 8. However, according to a new report, the Flyers may be throwing a wrench into other teams' plans. Insider Darren Dreger said on TSN's Insider Trading that extension talks are now ongoing. 

Nick Seeler has been out there from the get-go. However, management will confirm in Philadelphia, as well agent Pat Brisson, that they have engaged in contract extension discussions. So now what GM Danny Briere hast to figure out is, OK, what's the cost of that contract look like for a defenceman that's a tough as nails defensive defenseman, who they love in Philadelphia by the way, versus what they might get in return on the trade front. So, to be determined. But I wouldn't be surprised if Seeler signs that extension and stays with the Flyers. 

The 30-year-old left-shot D is in his sixth NHL season—his third with Philly—and he's putting up the best defensive numbers of his career, sporting a plus-minus rating of +18, along with 10 points in 57 games. He's also playing a career-high 16:53 TOI per game. 

The Flyers are currently third in the Metropolitan Division with a firm grip on a playoff spot. They certainly might just want to hold onto Seeler. 

But teams on the prowl for a blueliner still have plenty of other options around the league, including, of course, the possibility of Seeler's teammate, Sean Walker. 

Photo: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports