Danny Briere Gets Busy: Nick Seeler re-signed, Walker Traded to Colorado

After what felt like seven years of hibernation and rumors that largely just pointed in the direction of signing everyone to 8-decade deals for 1000% of the cap, Danny Briere made his move(s).

Sean Walker is gone, and Nick Seeler is here to stay.

Nick Seeler

The first thing that dropped was an impending extension between the Flyers and Nick Seeler. For some time now, I’ve argued that this was a decent idea as long as the negotiations weren’t botched.

In a vacuum, he’s the kind of partner you stick with Drysdale or any other puck-moving defenseman who still needs training wheels on the defensive side of the game.

Between that on-ice value to the future teams, his being well-liked in that locker room, and the fact that he also provides legitimate value for the current team, it was an easy choice at the right price.

They got the right price.

Here to stay. Nick Seeler 4x$2.7 with a full no-trade clause over the first two years. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/NnP4I91D2I

— TLY (@TheLibertyYell) March 6, 2024

I thought 3×3.33 was a fair value for both term and AAV. From there, you could have shortened the term and gone for a higher AAV. Or you could have lengthened the term and went for a lower AAV. I’ve heard good arguments for each. So I’m not upset about either.

The Flyers and Seeler’s agent ultimately agreed to lengthen the term and cut the AAV. Four years at 2.7M is perfectly acceptable.

There’s a very real possibility that you will have to deal with this contract in two years because Seeler loses his value. You’ll have options with two years remaining, especially with his no-trade clause expiring around that time.

2.7M in 2 years (beginning next season) is three cap jumps from now, and it’s already a relatively digestible price. You shouldn’t encounter many issues moving that.

The Flyers could settle on term or AAV and have made out well in my books, so long as they didn’t settle on both — and they didn’t.

A good piece of business.

Sean Walker

It had to happen. And it happened. Sean Walker had to leave. He ultimately did.

Sean Walker is gone. Ryan Johansen is on waivers after being traded to PHI. What are your thoughts on the trade? pic.twitter.com/SwXh66ELE4

— TLY (@TheLibertyYell) March 6, 2024

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Danny got his first-round pick. What did it cost? Apparently, everything. I am somewhat joking. But it’s fair to point out that dispensing with an additional pick (albeit a measly 5th) and also eating up Ryan Johanson’s contract is doing quite a bit extra to meet that hurdle of getting your 1st round pick.

Walker had to leave, and I’m happy he did. The return is fine as far as optimized value is concerned, but the suggestions of what comes next are ultimately more interesting.

You did all that for a first-round pick — why?

Why is a first-round pick the most important thing in the world? Danny essentially said, “I can make it happen, and I can get the pick. I’m getting the pick.”

There was seemingly no thought to optimize the value of your return. It was about getting the pick. Simply getting it to make a selection? Why so desperate for that? You could have gotten more.

To me, it suggests the pick is being valued more as a trade chip than an actual selection to be made.

And rumors align with that. However, not every rumor-monger agrees.

I’m not told the Chychrun stuff is a bad scoop. In fact it’s just one thing Danny B looked into. That’s all.

— NRD (@NHLRumorsDaily) March 6, 2024

Danny is up to something. I’m fairly confident in that. Is it Chychrun? Maybe. Maybe not.

But this sentiment expressed to Kevin Kurz? It doesn’t make any sense.

I know it's anything-can-happen season, but as I reported yesterday I've been told Flyers don't believe they're in a position at this stage of rebuild to add a big piece. That applies to Zegras and probably Chychrun, too

(And, yes, these things can change quickly)

— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) March 6, 2024

By the way, this isn’t me taking any kind of run at Kevin. I know he was the messenger. I’m certain he was told exactly what he told us.

But it doesn’t make sense.

Why try to be Chicago, except pick 17th instead of 2nd or 3rd… or maybe 1st again? I don’t care about your opinion on tanking. I’m simply saying the assets don’t line up.

You make eight picks, and they’re all 15 or lower? While Chicago makes a top 3 pick and seven more that are 15 or lower? Chicago comes out ahead every time.

I can’t imagine that Danny doesn’t understand this.

You want to resign Travis Konecny… and everyone’s sure they do… but you can’t add someone younger than Konecny? That doesn’t make sense.

Something else is happening. I’m not entirely sure what. But it doesn’t add up.

The only question is, will it happen before Friday’s deadline? Or will these questions remain into the summer?

Mandatory Credit: (Derik Hamilton/AP)