Gus back with Flyers; Suter in plans?

Will the Flyers make a move before the Feb. 27 trade deadline?

It may hinge on how well defenseman Erik Gustafsson plays.

Gustafsson was recalled from Adirondack on Wednesday as the Flyers sent little-used Matt Walker to the Phantoms.

Gustafsson, 22, who played well in a breif stint with the Flyers before suffering a wrist injury that required surgery, is expected to replace Andreas Lilja.

After giving Gustafsson a look-see, the Flyers will probably decide whether to pursue someone like talented Nashville defenseman Ryan Suter, 26, who could become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

The Flyers would probably have to deal one of their promising young forwards and some high draft picks to get Suter. Is that too much for a rent-a-player?

Then again, Suter is negotiating with the Predators, so there's a chance he signs a long-term deal with Nashville and is taken off the market.

The Flyers have $3.5 million in cap space.

* * *

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.