Despite a glut of defensemen on the Philadelphia Flyers roster, restricted free agent Michael Del Zotto is expected to be back in the mix next season.

General manager Ron Hextall confirmed the two sides have begun initial talks on a contract extension, and that the 24-year-old won't be on the move following the signing of veteran Evgeni Medvedev.

The Flyers already have seven defensemen under contract prior to re-signing Del Zotto, and Hextall admitted he will be looking to move a body or two off the blue line during the offseason.

On a one-year deal with the club in 2014-15, Del Zotto experienced a career resurgence, tying a career high in goals with 10 and recording 32 points in 64 games.