The NHL Trade deadline came and went on Friday, but not without a heavy dose of Flyers content. Philly General Manager Danny Briere was a busy man so let’s take a closer look at all his moves:
Sean Walker, 5th Round Pick for Ryan Johansen, 2025 1st Round Pick
When Walker joined the Flyers as part of a three-team trade in the summer, few thought he’d have the impact that he’s had on the club. Playing alongside mostly Nick Seeler, Walker’s two-way play and offensive instincts played a pivotal role on the Flyers defense core all season long. However, the Flyers have found themselves in a very unique situation this season.
Trying to operate as both a buyer and seller meant that Philly wouldn’t be able to keep everyone. Based on Walker’s play this year, a first round pick wasn’t a terribly huge ask on the Flyers part. Securing the 2025 first rounder should help accelerate the club’s rebuilding efforts.
According to reports, the Ryan Johansen piece of the trade was to better the return for Philadelphia. Johansen, 31, has tallied 13 goals and 10 assists in 63 games with the Avalanche this year. He’ll had to Leigh Valley to report to the Phantoms after being waived.
Denis Gurianov for Wade Allison
Equally important, was the one-for-one swap the Flyers made with Nashville on Friday afternoon. Former Dallas Star Denis Gurianov has not found much of a niche in the NHL since his 20-goal campaign in 2019-2020. However, the 26 year-old Russian may have peaked Philly’s interest with his blazing speed and nose for the net. Gurianov has appeared in 14 NHL games this season for the Preds, scoring one goal and adding one assist.
Also, best of luck to Wade Allison in Nashville. Much like Gurianov has struggled to find a regular role at the NHL level, but does possess some NHL skills.
Erik Johnson for a fourth-round pick in 2024
Lastly, the Flyers added some cheap defensive depth in veteran defender Erik Johnson to round out their trade deadline. Appearing in close to 1,000 NHL games, Johnson’s best years are behind him, but could be an experienced voice in the Flyers dressing room for the team’s push for the playoffs.
However, it may have been better for the club to simply hold onto to their draft asset and allow some the younger players to play. On the other hand, with Jamie Drysdale and Rasmus Ristolainen injured and Walker traded, it leaves the team short on right shot defensemen so I suppose in that aspect, it is a fine deal. We’ll see where the veteran will fit if Drysdale and Ristolanien make it back this season.
