Beleaguered and now seemingly bewildered, the Philadelphia Flyers are desperate to mend their leaky defensive unit.

Flyers general manager Ron Hextall reportedly reached out to veteran Ryan Whitney on Friday to gauge his interest regarding a potential return from the KHL, according to Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News.

Whitney's one-year pact with the Sochi Leopards includes an "out clause" to facilitate a return to North America.

He played seven games with the Florida Panthers last season before being placed on waivers.