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Michael Del Zotto could be playing his final two games this weekend as a Flyer

The defenseman’s three seasons with the Flyers have been marred by injuries and healthy scratches.

Michael Del Zotto is a realist and understands that it could be his last time with the Flyers when they play their two final home games this weekend against Columbus and Carolina.

If so, it would end a difficult third season with the Flyers for Del Zotto, one marked by injury and several healthy scratches from the lineup.

"I know where I am contract-wise," said the 26-year-old defenseman, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. "Being unrestricted this summer, there haven't been any talks [with the Flyers]. We'll see what happens."

Del Zotto, who has counted $3.87 million against the salary cap this season, signed with the Flyers as a free agent in August 2014.

Last season, he suffered a wrist injury that cost him the final 28 regular-season games and the Flyers' first-round playoff series, which they lost in six games to Washington.

Toward the end of training camp this season, he hurt his knee and didn't see action until the Flyers' 13th game. On Jan. 21, he hurt his ankle blocking a shot and was sidelined another 10 games. He also has been a healthy scratch several times.

"It has been a frustrating year," Del Zotto said. "Last year, I was playing [nearly] 24 minutes a night and have kind of taken a step back this year with the healthy scratches. I wasn't happy with some of the scratches, but it is out of my control."

When asked about Del Zotto's performance this season, general manager Ron Hextall said he fit in with many of the Flyers during an up-and-down season.

Del Zotto "has been really good, and [there were] nights where he hasn't been as good, and very similar to our whole group," Hextall said.

In 49 games, Del Zotto has five goals, 12 assists, and a minus-5 rating.

Because he was hurt for last year's playoffs, Del Zotto said his biggest regret has been not getting to play in a postseason game with the Flyers.

If this indeed is his final weekend with the team, he said there will be plenty that he will miss.

"I have had great support since day one, and it has been the closest group of guys I ever played with," said Del Zotto, who was with the New York Rangers and Nashville before joining the Flyers.

He also saluted the fans.

"Philadelphia is such a passionate hockey market. It makes it a lot of fun to play at home and have them on your side," Del Zotto said.

Breakaways

Brandon Manning and Jordan Weal, who both missed Tuesday's 1-0 overtime loss in New Jersey, returned to practice. Manning had a back injury, and Weal, who has scored seven goals in his last 14 games, had the flu. . . . Hextall said that goalie Michal Neuvirth and defenseman Radko Gudas would miss the final two games with upper-body injuries. . . . Recently signed forward Mike Vecchione is expected to miss Saturday's game against Columbus. He is among three finalists for the Hobey Baker award presented to college hockey's best player and will be attending the awards ceremony Friday in Chicago. . . . Hextall said he wasn't sure whether defenseman Sam Morin would play the final two games. Morin made his NHL debut against the Devils and was sent down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Wednesday. The Phantoms are battling for a playoff spot.

Special fanfest

As part of the league's 100th anniversary, the NHL Centennial Fan Arena is coming to the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday and Sunday.

The free traveling fan exhibit - to be staged north of the arena in parking lot G - features a 53-foot interactive museum truck, virtual-reality Zamboni races, the Stanley Cup, a pop-up ball hockey rink, and other attractions.

Here is the Flyers' schedule of events:

Saturday - 11 a.m.-noon at the Fan Arena: autograph session with former Flyers Brad Marsh, Brian Propp, and Doug Crossman; noon to 12:30 p.m. in the Wells Farge Center: Philadelphia PowerPlay scrimmage against Flyers alumni.

Sunday - 5-6 p.m. at the Fan Arena: autograph session with former Flyers Bob Kelly, Bernie Parent, and Joe Watson.

For more information and schedule updates, go to NHL.com/FanArena or PhiladelphiaFlyers.com.

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard