NHL Trade Rumors: Ryan Suter and 5 Defensemen Flyers Should Look To Acquire

With the loss of Chris Pronger for the season, it's no secret that the Philadelphia Flyers will have interest in acquiring a talented defenseman to replace him.

Here are five names the team should seriously inquire about before the trade deadline.

Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators

We get the following from CBC's Elliotte Friedman:

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It's believed the Flyers covet Ryan Suter, so you've got to save your biggest bullets. David Poile is on record as saying he'll hold back until the last minute. Remember, the Flyers and Predators consummated two pretty important trades over the past few seasons: Peter Forsberg at the 2007 deadline, and Scott Hartnell/Kimmo Timonen for draft picks a few months later. Paul Holmgren must feel pretty confident that if he needs to pull off a complex transaction, he can do it with Poile.

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Sure, he'll come at a high cost, but with goaltender still a question in Philly, solidifying the defense should be of the highest priority.

Shea Weber, Nashville Predators

The Flyers might as well inquire about what it would take to get Weber while they're talking to Nashville.

Luke Schenn, Toronto Maple Leafs

The Flyers are thought to be interested in Schenn, though the young defenseman would likely cost the Flyers' talented young forward James van Riemsdyk.

But if the Flyers were to acquire Schenn, they could reunite him with his brother, current Flyers forward Brayden Schenn.

Tim Gleason, Carolina Hurricanes

Of all the possibilities mentioned thus far, Gleason would be the most affordable, which might make him the wisest target for the Flyers, who would be giving up quite a bit in return for one of the top-three players listed.

Luca Sbisa, Anaheim Ducks

Sure, he's a young player and would cost quite a bit to bring back—remember, he was involved in the trade that brought Chris Pronger to Philly in the first place—and Anaheim may have absolutely no interest in moving him.

But with Anaheim's disappointing season, they might be willing to build for the future by asking for an arm and a leg in return from Philly. It's a longshot, but the reunion would at least be worth an inquiry.

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