The Colorado Avalanche acquire defenseman Sean Walker and a fifth-rounder from the Philadelphia Flyers for a first-round pick and forward Ryan Johansen.

Colorado Avalanche GM Chris McFarland surprised just about everyone when he acquired one of the most sought-after rentals on the market.

The Colorado Avalanche acquired defenseman Sean Walker and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a 2025 first-round pick and center Ryan Johansen.

Walker has been atop trade bait boards all season long, although the Avalanche weren’t heavily linked to him. The 29-year-old right-shot blueliner is lauded as a zone exit machine and he has driven offense at an exceptional rate with the Flyers this year, while also chipping in six goals and 22 points in 63 games. He’s a perfect fit for an Avs blueline that is anchored by two players — Cale Makar and Devon Toews — who mirror him stylistically. Walker is in the final year of a four-year contract that carries a $3.35-million cap hit.

The Flyers have a firm grasp on the third playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division, but they haven’t veered course from their plan to rebuild their roster. Flyers GM Danny Briere is wise to see the forest beyond the trees and net a first-round pick for a player on an expiring deal, even if it affects their playoff standing.

“We’re not backing off at all as far as what we’re trying to do with the organization in the big picture too as far as rebuilding,” Flyers coach John Tortarella told reporters in early Feburary.

Johansen, 31, appears to be a pure cap dump in the deal, as Philadelphia has reportedly placed him on waivers this afternoon. Acquired by the Avalanche ahead of the 2023-24 season in a move that saw the Nashville Predators retain 50 percent of his $8-million cap hit, Johansen has recorded 13 goals and 23 points in 63 games this season.

Johansen’s contract expires at the end of next season, and the Flyers could conceivably flip him again and retain more salary.