In his first full offseason as general manager, Danny Briere made some savvy moves. Changing the course of action immensely in such a short period of time.
Pushing for a massive three-way deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Los Angeles Kings; Moving long-time Flyer Ivan Provorov to the Blue Jackets, while the Kings supported the funds, taking on salary retention while also getting out from under two contracts. Those two contracts being Cal Petersen and Sean Walker, one of whom is blossoming in the City of Brotherly Love.
Sean Walker, despite being used as a ‘cap dump’ by the Kings, has been exceeding expectations, immensely. Quickly becoming one of the Flyers’ hottest assets.
I touched on the idea of Sean Walker being a trade chip at the NHL Trade Deadline in a previous article. However, a dance partner could be on the horizon sooner than expected.
As I mentioned in that previous article, after 2024, the defensive core of the Leafs will be shot. Six of Toronto’s eight defensemen will be unrestricted free agents with one restricted free agent. That may seem far away but in the present day, the Leafs’ blueline has been flagged with injuries.
Mark Giordano (injured Tuesday, length of time to be determined), John Klingberg (could be rest of the season) and Timothy Liljegren (already out three weeks).
Sportsnet Insider, Elliotte Friedman touched on the Maple Leafs’ struggles down the pike in his most recent Written 32.
As they consider what to do, the biggest question might be, “Is this the year to spend key assets on rentals?” A less-costly depth option, OK. Someone with term or that you know you can sign, all right. But a pure rental? Do they think that makes sense for this team, this season?
Elliotte Friedman
A defenseman like Sean Walker would be no rental. Although he is only signed for another year at 2,650,000 million, it would not be hard to re-sign the 29 years of age, respectively. He has five-and-a-half years of NHL experience under his belt. Typically that is on the low end of the spectrum. He was not awarded the playing time in Los Angeles. When given the chance, he has proven to be a consistent middle-to-bottom pairing d-man. Being signed for the remainder of the season then becoming a UFA, may lead to teams waiting it out and putting a bid in to sign him in the offseason.
Walker has yet to have a bad game for the Flyers this year. Almost a quarter way through the season, past Thanksgiving. Walker has become a staple in the Flyers’ top four, setting up as the team’s top defenseman in several analytical categories. Not to mention, leading the club in shorthanded goals, surprisingly. Overall, at this point in the season, Walker is right up there with Travis Sanheim.
Currently, Sean Walker’s trade stock couldn’t be any higher. Meaning he would come with a high price tag. Bringing in major assets that a rebuilding team would drool over.
Sell Now or Walk(er)?
Seen as a borderline fringe bottom-pairing defenceman for contending clubs, Sean Walker isn’t going to bring in three first-round picks and high-end prospects. Unless Danny Briere was able to create a package deal. At the very most (alone) he can draw in a late second or third-round pick and is a solid prospect at most. If Danny Briere did decide to dance with Brad Treliving and the Leafs, the original six club could offer up just that.
Toronto has a 2024 third-round pick, along with a 2025 third-rounder. As well, as some promising prospects already brewing in their system; Brandon Lisowsky, drafted in 2022 in the sixth round, has already spent three and a half years in the WHL. He is ready to make the jump into the AHL/NHL. At 19 years old, the left winger would help the Flyers depth chart. Topi Niemelä, a 21-year-old defenseman has spent a year and a quarter with the Toronto Marlies. Showing promising signs of becoming a dynamic two-way defender. A 2019 draft pick that may draw some interest is Nick Abruzzese. He has impressive numbers in the AHL and NHL. In 2022-23 when he was called up he had 2 points in 2 appearances, just not getting the playing time in the Maple Leafs organization. Mike Koster, seen as a defensive defenceman still finds ways to get on the scoresheet. His size is the main concern at 5’10” and 181 pounds. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 draft, closing out his University years in Minnesota. Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan are two of Toronto’s remaining top prospects, both of whom will peak a lot of interest. Teams will come calling and the Leafs’ will have to entrain the idea if they want to stay competitive and in the Cup conversation.
In the past three drafts, the Leafs have only made 11 selections, meaning they do not have the most appealing crop of prospects. However, as the weeks progress and depending on how severe Mark Giordano’s injury is, Brad Treliving and company will begin to get more desperate by the day. Putting the club in the worst possible position trade-wise, leaving them exposed and frail. Forcing their hand, giving up more than necessary if they decide to go out and find replacements for a depleted defensive core. That is where the Flyers come in, giving assets to gain assets, allowing both parties to walk away happy.
I would imagine Danny Briere would be looking into Easton Cowan, linemate of current Flyer prospect, Denver Barkey and teammate of Oliver Bonk.
Easton Cowan comes at a high price but selling Sean Walker and high draft picks in return for Easton Cowan and a late third to fourth-round pick may be a match made in heaven for both teams. Even adding Rasmus Ristolainen into the mix, adds more depth to Toronto Maple Leafs blueline. Or try to flip Cam Atkinson, as well.
Two-three NHL level players for a young prospect with some picks thrown in the mix between both teams, helps both parties in their current situations. In doing so also, it would free up space in the top six and on the back end for the Flyers’ youth to earn a spot.
By: Dylan H. Robillard (DylanRobillard_)
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum
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