Trade Target: Flyers defenseman Sean Walker checks a lot of boxes for the Maple Leafs

With American Thanksgiving behind us, trade chatter across the NHL should be picking up in a major way. The Maple Leafs will be involved as Brad Treliving is known as a general manager who never shies away from a conversation about potentially upgrading his roster. With a new GM in town, trade season should be an interesting one in Toronto.

The Leafs defense remains to be a concern as they approach the quarter mark of the season. Injuries certainly haven’t helped but there’s little doubt Treliving will be addressing the matter at some point this season. Expect to see some potential targets showcased throughout the season with the opening act heading down to the city of Brotherly love. Introducing, Flyers right-handed defenseman Sean Walker.

By The Numbers

First things first, the Maple Leafs aren’t bathing in cap space, so any target needs to make sense financially. With John Klingberg likely on the LTIR for the rest of the season it will help but it’s less likely you’ll see Treliving acquire a blueliner with a huge AAV attached to their luggage. Here’s how Walker’s numbers stack up:
Age: 29
Height: 5’11
Weight: 196 lbs
Cap Hit: $2,650,000
Years Left: 0
Walker doesn’t hold any trade protection and was acquired by the Flyers in a summer three-way deal that included Ivan Provorov going to Columbus. So far in his first 21 games with his new team, he’s played great, scoring three times and collecting 10 points. He had all of 13 points last season in 70 games with the Kings.

Some stats from NHL Edge to consider is Walker’s been able to show off his skating abilities and powerful shot as he’s among the upper tiers of the entire NHL when it comes to speed bursts, skating max speed, total distance covered and shot max:

A new team means a new opportunity and Walker’s taking advantage to say the least. In 2022-23 in LA, he averaged 14:49 of ice-time a night, this season in Philly? A career high 21:16 a game. Walker kills penalties on the Flyers top unit and has even scored two shorthanded goals to this point. He also sees time on the Flyers second power play unit and has shown the ability throughout his career to be effective in a depth role on special teams.