He’s not as controversial as Rasmus Ristolainen; he hasn’t been shopped around this offseason like Travis Sanheim, he isn’t a young prospect on the rise, like Cam York, Egor Zamula, or Emil Andrae, nor is he a grizzled vet like Marc Staal. Nope, Nick Seeler is none of these things. However, he could sneakily be the most important defender on the Philadelphia Flyers in this upcoming season.
Wait a second. How could Seeler be the most important defender on the Flyers in 2023-24? He is not the hoped-for offensive threat that York is supposed to be. He’s not a big bruiser like Ristolainen, or signed to a giant contract like Sanheim. Heck, at best he is a second-line defender, but will most likely play as a bottom pairing. With Sean Walker here in town too, there is a good chance he could be the odd man out of a seven man defensive unit. So how is he the most important defender for Philly?
Seeler is a 30-year-old defender who surprised everyone last year. He appeared in 77 games, put up career highs in goals (4), assists (10), and points (14). He also averaged14:29 of ice time. He was the only blueliner with a positive plus-minus rating with a +1 (Only Noah Cates’s +4 was higher). Out of the Flyers defenders who had played 50+ games, that puts him behind even Justin Braun. So, again, why is he the most important defender on the team?
It’s because he’s earned it. He came into camp just looking to get a place on the roster. Because of his steady play on a team that suffered through injuries and crazy winning and losing streaks, he earned John Tortorella’s respect. Seeler was even the team’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy. He had considered leaving hockey at the start of the season and yet he came back and had a career year.
True, Seeler won’t put up the stats that light up the stat sheet. He isn’t a fancy skater who can weave through other players or pass the puck with finesse. What he is is a hard worker. He does the little things that are important. More importantly, he doesn’t cough the puck up in his own end and force the goalie to make a diving save because of his mistakes.
Last March, there were rumors that some NHL teams, like Boston, were sniffing around to see if the Flyers would part ways with him. There’s a lot to be desired with him. He’s making just $775,000. That ties him with Zamula as the cheapest defender on the team and only Tanner Laczynski is making less. Every team could use an inexpensive player, like Seeler, who can perform well.
Few Flyers fans would say a lot of positive things about former GM Chuck Fletcher. However, you have to give Fletcher credit for signing Seeler. He came on as a depth piece, but has become a dependable player on the defense.
If the Flyers move him this year, they could probably bring in a good return because his salary is so low. If they choose to keep him, it’s because he is a valuable workhorse who has earned Coach Tortorella’s respect for his hustle and work ethic. That in and of itself is worth its weight in gold, and could serve as a model to some of the younger defenders on this team.
Yes, he’s not as flashy as some of the other blueliners, but there is a reason that Seeler quietly hides in the shadows. He’s a valuable part of this team and will make an impact in this upcoming season.