WALKER ADDED BY THE AVALANCHE
The Colorado Avalanche acquired defenseman Sean Walker and a fifth-round draft pick in 2026 from the Philadelphia Flyers for center Ryan Johansen and a conditional first-round draft pick in 2025.
What does it give the Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche decided to add a defenseman in order to move out another blueliner to resolve their second-line center issue. Walker is a pending UFA and is enjoying a terrific season. However, he will be more of a depth defenseman down the stretch for Colorado.
What does it give the Philadelphia Flyers
The first-rounder that the Flyers are getting from the Avalanche in this trade is top-10 protected in '25. So, they could either land a first that year or an unprotected first in '26. Either way, it is good value for a pending UFA defenseman. Johansen was thrown in and will be waived by Philly.
Fantasy impact
Walker's fantasy value should remain intact after this trade. He will log less ice time in Denver, but is surrounded by a much stronger supporting cast. Keep him but do not necessarily pick him up if available. There may be better options. As for Johansen, sell sell sell! He is probably headed to the AHL after he (likely) clears waivers.
