Going into this season’s trade deadline Flyers GM Danny Briere made it clear that the main goal is to build for the future of the team with out sacrificing their playoff chances for this season. The Flyers made four moves in the fail two days, swapping picks and players.
Sean Walker to Colorado
The Flyers traded defensemen Sean Walker and a 2026 6th round pick to the Colorado Avalanche for a 2025 first round draft pick and forward Ryan Johansen. The 29 year old defense came to Philly last season in the three team trade in which Ivan Provorov ended up in Columbus. Walker played 63 games for the Flyers this season producing 22 points. Briere set the asking price for Walker at a first round pick knowing that teams would be despite for a veteran forward with only one year left on their contract. Johansen a 31 year old veteran was immedatly placed on waivers by the Flyers and sent down to the Phantoms. Briere mentoied that Johansen is not a part of the future for this team.
A Three Team Trade Gives The Flyers A 5th Rounder
The Flyers received a 2024 5th round pick from the Vegas Golden Knights in a trade that also involved the Calgary Flames. In this trade Noah Hanifin was shipped from Calgary to Vegas. The Flyers ended up retaining 50% of Hanifin contract in exchange for the 5th round pick. Hanifin only has one year left on is contract, so the Flyers which the Flyers will have $1,237,500 of it for the rest of this year.
Erik Johnson comes to Philly
The Flyers traded a 4th round pick to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defensemen Eric Johnson. The 35 year old was the first overall pick back in 2006 by the St. Louis Blues. Johnson played on Colorado with Danny Briere where he won the Stanley Cup in 2022. He was brought in the be a veteran presence on the blue line which has been riddled with injures as of late. Johnson is in the final year of his contract.
Wade Allison is sent to Nashville
The Flyers traded Wade Allison to the Predators for forward Denis Gurianov. Allison has sent the entire season playing for the Phantoms scoring 17 points in 44 games. It was thought that Allison had a breakout season last year with the Flyers scoring 9 goals in 60 games. But he was sent to the Phantoms out of training camp. Danny Briere stated that Allison needed a change of scenery and was not a part of the future of the team. Gurianov is a 26 year old Russian who has split time this season playing for both the Nashville Predators and their AHL affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals. Gurianov was selected 12th overall by the Stars in 2015 and is in the last year of this contract.
As of right now the Flyers have four picks in the first two rounds for both the 2024 and 2025 draft. This will give the Flyers a high amount of leverage going into the offseason. It is also expected that the 2025 draft class will be very deep with several skilled prospects.
The Flyers Trip To Florida
Thursday night the Flyers played the league best Panthers in Sunrise beating them 2-1. This was thanks to the sound goaltending of Sam Ersson and a late goal by Garnet Hathaway. This was Travis Konecny’s first game back after missing the last six games. The good times did not last long as on Saturday night the Flyers were destroyed by the Lightning 7-0. Sam Ersson gave up the first 4 goals before getting pulled for Felix Sandstrom. Egor Zamula was a late scratch leaving the Flyers with 13 forwards and 5 defensemen. Head Coach John Tortorella was ejected after the 4th goal and has been given a two game suspension for arguing with a referee.
The Flyers are next in action Tuesday night hosting the Sharks and Thursday night hosting the Maple Leafs.
AP Photo/Chris O’Meara
Nathan Harding
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