Flyers looking to sign free agent prior to the deadline but is it the right move?

Flyers general manager Ron Hextall is looking to sign one of his pending unrestricted free agents prior to the deadline but the move comes with some risk. According to a report from Frank Seravalli of the Daily News Hextall is in talks with defenseman Nick Schultz and his camp with the hopes of retaining him.

According to a source, the Flyers and Schultz's camp made progress in negotiations on an extension last week.  The belief is a deal will be worked out before the deadline, taking Schultz off the table to be moved as a rental option for playoff teams.

  The risks involved are simple, the Flyers already have $62.2 million dollars committed to 18 players next season, including 5 defenseman, and Hextall has already expressed his desire to retain Michael Del Zotto for next year as well. With the current state of the Canadian Dollar there is no telling where the salary cap will be next season, and a deal with Schultz could create some issues next season. Schultz has been solid for the Flyers this year, despite having just 12 points in his 52 games this season he has managed a plus minus rating of 8. The question will be how much the Flyers are prepared to pay him.