The Philadelphia Flyers have apparently been contacted by the Toronto Maple Leafs regarding defenseman Sean Walker, according to the fourth period.
With only 35 games remaining in the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it makes sense that they start looking to upgrade now instead of waiting until the NHL trade deadline. The Leafs defense has been a weak spot this season. As we get closer to the deadline, I’m sure Walker won’t be the only defenseman whose name pops up in Leafs rumors.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have, according to the fourth period, reportedly contacted the Philadelphia Flyers regarding defenseman Sean Walker.
With only 35 games remaining in the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it makes sense that they start looking to upgrade now instead of waiting until the NHL trade deadline. The Leafs defense has been a weak spot this season. As we get closer to the deadline, I’m sure Walker won’t be the only defenseman whose name pops up in Leafs rumors.
According to Anthony Di Marco from thefourthperiod.com, the Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and Tampa Bay Lightning are the top teams interested in Walker.
If Leafs general manager Brad Treliving thinks Walker is the right player to add, he’ll need to make sure he outbids the Lightning. However, acquiring Walker will not be cheap. The Flyers are supposedly asking for a 1st round pick in return.
While getting a 1st round pick is the ideal return for the Flyers, it sounds like they are also willing to accept a younger player with similar value as a 1st round pick. That might make a trade easier for Treliving and the Leafs, but it will depend on which player the Flyers are interested in. Speculation has already begun that it could be Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan. I don’t think the Leafs would want to give up those prospects for a middle of the road player like Walker.
The Leafs still have their 2024 1st round pick but not their 2025 1st round pick. That pick was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks by previous GM Kyle Dubas to acquire Jake McCabe and Sam Lafferty at last season’s trade deadline. The Leafs must decide if Walker is worth one of their top prospects or their 2024 1st round pick.
Sean Walker is a 29-year-old right-shooting defenseman from Keswick, Ontario. He is averaging 19:36 in ice time with a 52.4% Corsi percentage. Walker has five goals and 12 assists for 17 points in 50 games. He also has 69 blocked shots, 53 hits, and 23 takeaways compared to 19 giveaway
Mark Giordano, despite contributing significantly over the past two years, seems to be transitioning into a role as a situational player rather than an everyday defenseman. This realization positions him as a solid seventh defenseman, allowing Dumba’s addition to reshape the lineup and potentially elevate others.
Dumba has long felt like a player destined for the Leafs, and the ongoing link between him and the team signals positive prospects. While acknowledging that his addition won’t instantly transform the Leafs into Stanley Cup favorites, it represents a step in the right direction.
As the trade season unfolds with a myriad of rumors, there’s a tangible possibility that the Dumba-to-Leafs trade might materialize. His potential arrival is anticipated to resonate well with the city and swiftly establish him as a fan favorite.
The Toronto Maple Leafs defense doesn’t have a lot of depth, and at the worst, Dumba is an upgrade over Mark Giordano, and should he find his game, could offer quite a bit more than that.
