Colorado Avalanche trade for Sean Walker
One of the top defensive targets is headed to the Colorado Avalanche.
The Philadelphia Flyers traded right-handed defenceman Sean Walker to the Colorado on Wednesday in exchange for Ryan Johansen and a first-round pick in 2025.
The Avalanche also received a fifth-round pick in the deal.
We have acquired defenseman Sean Walker and a fifth-round draft pick in 2026 from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for forward Ryan Johansen and a first-round selection in 2025. pic.twitter.com/0kZVJNBNIh
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 6, 2024
Walker is a pending unrestricted free agent who has found more consistency this Eason with the Flyers after a an up-and-down tenure with the Los Angeles Kings. He has 22 points in 63 games with Philadelphia, and was key part of the Flyers surprise push into postseason contention.
Johansen has struggled to live up to his contract, and the Avalanche were looking to move the $4 million cap hit after he's only posted 23 points in 63 games this season.
Johansen is still signed for next season, so moving his salary was a short and long-term priority for Colorado. The Flyers are putting Johansen on waivers after the trade.