The Toronto Maple Leafs are desperately seeking help on the back end with just days to go ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. After losing out on Chris Tanev, who went from the Calgary Flames to the Dallas Stars last week, general manager Brad Treliving is said to have turned his attention towards to the Philadelphia Flyers and blue liners Nick Seeler and Sean Walker.
Treliving recently revealed how he was open to dealing his team’s first round pick in a trade worthy of it, which could be what is needed for the Flyers to part with one of their defensemen. Philadelphia is still active in the race for a plyoff spot, and could decide to hold on to its best trade baits before Friday.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, contract negotiations continue between the Flyers and Walker and Seeler respectively, which means that it is doubtful the two of them will be moved unless one contender is willing to overpay for them.
However, conflicting reports have emerged that GM Daniel Briere could keep his options open with the two days remaining and could test the trade market for one of his two blue liners, per insider Frank Seravalli.
For Treliving that’s one less option on the blue line market, and therefore added competition for other contenders looking for a defensive boost.
When comparing the two defensemen, age cannot be a factor since Seeler is 30, and Walker is 29.
This is what Pierre LeBrun had to say on Walker during last night’s edition of Insider Trading on TSN:
“The Flyers started getting more serious attention on Sean Walker . They’ve been getting more calls from teams they had heard from, now with teams perhaps showing their hand a bit more. I think that was a welcome development for the Flyers. They haven’t ruled out keeping him because they’re in a playoff spot. They haven’t ruled out trying to sign him, although talks on that front have been quiet.”
The Flyers may be more tempyted to hold on to Walker’s skating abilities and playign style, though he could be the one with the best trade value out there.
Contenders are looking for a solid depth defenseman like Seeler has proven to be, though he may be a cheaper extension for the Flyers. On Wednesday morning, Darren Dreger reported that progress was made in contract talks with Seeler. Seravalli added the information that the blue liner has been placed on Injured Reserve and is out week-to-week after blocking a shot against the St. Louis Blues on Monday. This could explain why a trade will be difficult and an extension more likely to take place.
It is hard for Treliving to make the right offer if he has decided to shop in Philadelphia for a much needed upgrade on the back end ahead of the deadline.
Let’s see where this one goes…
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