Trade: Surprise Team Swoops In To Nab Sean Walker From Flyers

After reports Tuesday night and earlier Wednesday that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers were the teams working on a Sean Walker trade with the Philadelphia Flyers, word has now broken that it's the Colorado Avalanche that have swooped in and made a deal for the much sought-after blueliner.

Flyers have traded Sean Walker to Colorado

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 6, 2024

The Avs will be sending their 2025 first-round pick to Philly in exchange, and receive a 5th rounder in 2026.

Ryan Johansen going back to Philly in Walker trade.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 6, 2024

In addition, 13-year veteran center Ryan Johansen also goes to Philly, but this is strictly a cap dump, as the Flyers have immediately placed him on waivers, along with his $4 million cap hit that still has another year to run. He had 13 goals and 23 points in 63 games this season.

Walker, an impending unrestricted free agent, is having a career year and has established himself as a puck-carrying second-pair defenceman who also kills penalties. He's bolstered his game at both ends of the ice, and is a great pickup for the Avs. He has 22 points along with a plus-minus rating of +9 and a career-high 86 hits in 19:36 ice time per game.

Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports