The Flyers traded Sean Walker and a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Avalanche and received Ryan Johansen and a conditional first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Walker was traded to the Flyers in 2023, and his contribution to the Flyers’ blue line was unexpected but appreciated. He has contributed to the Flyers’ penalty-kill, which is sitting at #1 in the league with 86.5%. Walker has two short-handed goals on the season. He also has one assist on the power play. In total, Walker has put up 6 goals and 16 assists, totaling 22 points. As a result of his production, trade rumors have surrounded Walker for weeks. The Flyers’ fanbase was biting its nails to see how General Manager Danny Brière would maximize his return.
The only part that had Flyers fans concerned is Johansen’s $8 million AAV that he signed with Nashville back in 2017. Of course, Brière had an answer for that.
Almost immediately, the Flyers placed Johansen on waivers to presumably send him to Lehigh Valley. This move all but confirms that Johansen was a cap dump for Colorado and a pawn for the Flyers to receive a first-round pick in return. According to Jason Myrtetus, Nashville retained half of Johansen’s salary, therefore the Flyers are only responsible for $4 million for only one year.
The fun might not be over yet. According to Brandon Sommermann, Brière could have some more tricks up his sleeve later today. The rookie GM is beginning to make his mark on the Flyers franchise as they gear up to hopefully make the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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