Oilers' Philip Broberg Linked To Metropolitan Team In Defensemen Swap

Still toiling away in the AHL, Edmonton Oilers' defense prospect Philip Broberg continues to find his name in trade rumors, this time in combination with one of the most frequently-mentioned D-men on the market. 

According to insider Anthony DiMarco of The Fourth Period, the Philadelphia Flyers could be considering a swap of the much sought-after Sean Walker in exchange for Broberg. 

DiMarco reports that the Flyers were holding firm on receiving a first-round pick in any deal for Walker, but he adds that this could be another option:

Though a first-round pick is the ideal return, the Flyers are open to bringing back a younger player that carries similar value. One name that was brought up to me – and one the Flyers have been linked to in the past – is Oilers defenceman Philip Broberg.

Broberg, just 22, was the No. 8 overall selection by the Oilers in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, but the left-shot D hasn't found much success with the big club to this point in his young career. With the Bakersfield Condors, he's having another strong season, however, with 17 assists and 18 points in 25 games, along with a plus/minus of +13. 

For the Flyers, he could be that young piece with promise that they could get in return for the pending UFA Walker. DiMarco adds that he was told by one rival executive that "fetching a first-rounder (for Walker) will be tough" so nabbing a rising prospect with the pedigree of a Broberg would certainly be a strong Plan B.  

And while the Flyers are chock full of left-shot D-men in their system, they'd also then have the option of flipping Broberg for something of similar value. 

For the Oilers, who have charged back into the league's elite with their ongoing 16-game win streak, Walker, 29, adds a more battle-tested contributor to their blueline. This season, he's averaging 19:36 of ice time a night, while adding 17 points in 50 games, with a +6 rating.

Photo: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports