Even after acquiring defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from the Anaheim Ducks, it has been reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs are still looking to trade defensive help on the right wing. It makes sense – Lyubushkin is a depth option, but his inconsistent play this season likely means he’ll be in over his head if he garners top four minutes. The Philadelphia Flyers, on the other hand, are shopping defensemen Nick Seeler and Sean Walker; the latter of the two suits the wants and needs of the Maple Leafs.
If they’re serious about improving their blue line and contending for the Stanley Cup this season, Walker needs to be one of, if not their, first choice for defensive help.Morgan Rielly, the Maple Leafs’ star defenseman, is unquestionable. attacker and therefore must be paired with the defender on the right side. Lyubushkin fits the bill for “defense first,” but I wouldn’t call him a positive in his own mind — he was the third-worst defenseman in the league in xGAR with a minus. -6.8 and the stat really isn’t much more forgiving when looking at his entire career.
On the other hand, Walker is the defensive guard the Maple Leafs need alongside Rielly and has an underrated two-way game that would likely lead to a little extra buzz on the offensive end. belt According to defensive xGAR, Walker is fourth among NHL defensemen behind Miro Heiskanen, Olli Maata and Alex Vlasic. On John Tortorella’s Flyers, Walker ranks fourth among defensemen in expected goals per 60 (xGA/60), facing the third and toughest competition on the ice. He is not afraid to block shots and uses his body to prevent the opponent from entering the zone..
