Ahead of the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, we’ve heard every angle about what the Philadelphia Flyers (32-23-8) could do with Nick Seeler. Will he be on the move alone? Will he be on the move in tandem with Sean Walker? Will he agree to a contract extension?
Today, we’ve learned a couple of things about Seeler. First, Seeler (undisclosed) is on the injured-reserved list after blocking a shot versus the St. Louis Blues. He leads the NHL in blocked shots (184). Second, Seeler agreed to a multi-year contract extension. His latest agreement, offered by Daniel Briere, translates to 4yrs/$10.8mil ($2.7mil/AAV). He more than doubled his last contract value from Chuck Fletcher: 2yrs/$1.55mil.
It’s rare, but NHL players can be traded while injured. The announcement of Seeler to the injured-reserved list didn’t change plans. Seeler wanted to remain with the Flyers, and John Tortorella remained steadfast about the lack of plans to move the league leader in shots blocked:
“We have said that from the get-go; we’re not looking to trade Seels [Seeler]. He’s a huge part of the competitiveness of the room; that brings that room together. He’s one of the true competitors that I’ve ever coached, as far as how he handles himself.”
John Tortorella; 3/2/2024
Seeler will miss the next two games (at FLA and TBL) due to his injured-reserved designation, and Adam Ginning is recalled from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Seeler in 2023-2024
This season, Seeler took a massive step forward. His partnership with Walker proved almost immediately beneficial, and they’re the most consistent defensive pairing in Philadelphia. Until now, Seeler and Walker featured in each version of a Tortorella lineup for 63 games.
In 63 games, Seeler added 12 points (1G, 11A) while averaging 16:58 ice time. He hasn’t dialed down his physicality or willingness to help out his goaltender by getting into shooting lanes. The 2023-2024 season makes a steady argument as a career-best for Seeler. His contribution helped crown the Flyers as the best penalty-killing team in the NHL. Those traits helped draw interest from other teams ahead of the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, but Seeler is a perfect fit as Philadelphia continues to thrive.
Verdict
The term of this deal is a little long. Three years would’ve been the ideal length. However, the money is perfect. If there is any gripe about this contract extension, it could be considered an overstay instead of an overpay.
By the end of his new deal, Seeler will be 34. The first two seasons of his freshly minted extension include a no-trade clause. A second-pair defenseman, he could continue to handle the minutes he’s taking on already or anchor on the bottom pair. Seeler is more than what meets the eye, graduating from the typical fifth, sixth, and seventh defender status. There’s no worry as he ages; Seeler isn’t taking a spot from current developing prospects and will remain a crafty shot blocker and penalty killer, especially under sheltered minutes.
Additionally, the NHL salary cap will increase. If Seeler can keep up his level of play, this extension proves team-friendly.
(AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
