NHL Trade Deadline: Flyers D Sean Walker

With the NHL Trade Deadline looming on Friday, the Philadelphia Flyers hold one of the most sought after assets in right-handed defenseman Sean Walker.

The Flyers are in an interesting position entering the deadline, and one that presents a big test for newly-minted general manager Daniel Briere.

Due to the down year being had by most teams in the Metropolitan Division, the Flyers are sitting reasonably comfortable in the third place spot in the division, which automatically qualifies for the playoffs.

Normally a team in such a position would be adding aggressively at the deadline rather than considering selling, but the Flyers are unmistakably in the midst of a rebuild, and the chances of them going through the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers in back-to-back playoff series are slim to none.

As a right-handed defenseman, Walker plays one of the most coveted positions in the lineup, and teams are willing to pay a premium to get good ones. The Flyers are without their own second round pick this year, so a trade or two could replenish their stable of draft picks to get back in line with what a rebuilding team should have when the draft rolls around in June.

NHL Trade Deadline: Sean Walker

Contract Situation: Expiring after this season at $2.65 million cap hit
Season Stats: 6 goals and 16 assists for 22 points in 62 games played
Possible Destinations: Tampa Bay, Boston, Toronto, Colorado

The Flyers being where they are in the standings and playing as well as they have has been one of the biggest surprises in the NHL this season, and Walker's performance is a huge reason why.

The 29-year-old has been a steady presence on both ends of the ice, producing respectable numbers offensively while driving possession and shot quality in his team's favor.

According to Natural Stat Trick, Walker boasts a 5-on-5 on-ice expected goals share of 55.43 percent. That rate puts him at 22nd among all NHL defensemen, and he's top 20 on the offensive side of that equation.

The three playoff teams in the Atlantic Division that aren't the Florida Panthers are all in desperate need of help on the right side of their blue line units.

Tampa Bay and Toronto have been hit with injuries, and the Bruins would benefit greatly from adding someone to slot in on that side behind top-pairing super star Charlie McAvoy.

The Lightning's need might be felt more strongly on the left side given the injury to Mikhail Sergachev, but Toronto is known to be in the market for right-handed help.

If a bidding war breaks out between Toronto, Boston, and another contending team or two, the Flyers could be quickly motivated to sell high on the fast-rising Walker.