According to TSN‘s own Pierre LeBrun, Flyers top-pairing defensemen Matt Niskanen appears to be leaning towards retirement. Niskanen, 33, had just one year left on his deal with an AAV of 5.75 million.

This will most certainly switch up the Flyers offseason plans, Niskanen was a mentor for Provorov and a delightful veteran presence for the locker room.

Hearing via sources that Matt Niskanen is learning towards retirement. Niskanen, 33, has another year left on his contract at $5.75 million. By all accounts, he seems pretty resolute in his decision. Which obviously will have an impact now on Flyers’ off-season plans.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 5, 2020

Here were Steady Eddie’s statistics during the 2019-20 season:

Regular Season: 68GP, 8G, 25A, 33P.

Playoffs: 15GP, 1G, 1A, 2P.

A big hit for sure, but it does clear cap space. Let’s see what Chuck has up his sleeve going forward here. Early reports suggest Chuck Fletcher doesn’t want to lose Justin Braun now as well.

Mandatory Credit: NHL.com