Flyers trade one underachiever for another
At the NHL draft the Flyers traded 2007's #2 overall draft pick, James van Riemsdyk for 2008's #5 overall draft pick Luke Schenn. Both players entered the league to great expectations, but despite showing some flashes of truly great play, both players have never lived up to their hype. The Flyers are mostly addressing need with the trade- the team's talent is deep at forward, but Philadelphia's lack of defenseman, and especially physical defenseman, hindered the team last year.
Most experts are surprised by the deal, valuing van Riemsdyk more highly, and praising Toronto GM Brian Burke for executing the deal. However JVR just came off an injury plagued season (he still may have to undergo surgery) and that is enough to have lowered his perceived value. While this is not one of Paul Holmgren's highway robbery deals like the Foresberg trade, this is a good trade for the Flyers who pick up the physical defenseman they need. Here is what the Flyers are hoping to get with Luke Schenn: