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3 Flyers on Thin ice Heading Into the All-Star Break

Even though the Philadelphia Flyers have exceeded most expectations this season, these three players still find themselves on thin ice as the NHL All-Star Break looms.

By Devon Platana

Sean Walker is one of three Flyers players on thin ice heading into the All-Star Break.
Sean Walker is one of three Flyers players on thin ice heading into the All-Star Break. / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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3. Marc Staal, D

After being signed this summer to provide a veteran presence for the Flyers' younger defenseman, Marc Staal could find himself out the door in the near future.

It's become clear that head coach John Tortorella doesn't see Staal as an everyday NHL player anymore. Even though the duo spent five seasons together with the New York Rangers, the 37-year-old D-man has often found himself as a healthy scratch when it comes to Tortorella's game planning.

With the ASG around the corner, Staal has only suited up in 17 of the Flyers' 48 games, putting him on pace to play the fewest games (29) of his career. And even when he does play, the Thunder Bay, ON native is averaging a career-worst 13:13 time on ice and only has one goal with an assist to show for his efforts.

With Staal no longer being in his prime and barely playing more than 13 minutes per night, it might be mutually beneficial to send him packing. A trade could help him continue his search for a Stanley Cup ring while opening a spot on the blue line for one of the Flyers' prospects, such as Ronnie Attard or Emil Andrae.

Don't be surprised if one of the next games is the last time you see Staal in a Philly sweater.

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