The Philadelphia Flyers finally found a team that was willing to give up a first-rounder for defenseman Sean Walker. The Flyers traded Walker to the Colorado Avalanche, receiving a first-round selection in 2025 in exchange.
In order to extract the first-round pick, the Flyers had to become creative. They are sending a 2025 fifth-rounder to Colorado while also taking on forward Ryan Johansen’s contract.
Walker has been highly sought-after as the trade deadline approached. He offers physical presence on defense while also enjoying one of his most productive campaigns on the other end. Walker has six goals and 16 assists for 22 points after 63 games and is on pace to beat his season high of 24 points from 2019-20.
The Flyers are hoping to remain in contention for a playoff spot, but it is easy to see why they decided to move on from Walker. He is on an expiring contract, and it was unlikely he would be open to remaining in Philly after this season. Also, the Flyers are still in the rebuild mentality and need all the assets they can get.
Shortly after the trade was finalized, the Flyers waived Johansen. If he’s not picked up, they will be on the hook for 50% of his $8 million salary in 2023-24 and next season.
