This former Sabre had another suitor besides the Flyers.
The Buffalo Sabres had a pretty quiet trade deadline day. However, they did trade defenseman Erik Johnson to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick. Given the fact that the Flyers had traded Sean Walker earlier that week, they needed defensive depth, and they got just that with the 2006 first-overall pick.
However, the Flyers were reportedly not the only team who were interested in acquiring Johnson from the Sabres. Per Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now, it was believed that the Detroit Red Wings were also in the mix for Johnson.
With the Red Wings being in the playoff hunt, it makes sense that Johnson was reportedly on their radar. While their defensive group is solid, adding Johnson as another option for their blue line could have been beneficial. This is because he is a grizzled veteran with plenty of playoff success.
Alas, in the end, Johnson ended up in Philly, and his goal will be to help them cement themselves a playoff spot. In 51 games this season split between the Sabres and Flyers, he has three goals and a minus-6 rating.
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