Report: Flyers Trade With Toronto Not Imminent
The framework of the rumored deal that has the Flyers sending winger James van Riemsdyk to the Toronto Maple Leafs for physical defenseman Luke Schenn, makes financial and positional sense for each team.
But solid theory is about where that rumor stalls.
According to TSN’s connected trade-breaker, Darren Dreger, the Flyers and Leafs have had conversations involving a move and that Leafs general manager Brian Burke deeply covets van Riemsdyk for his size and potential.
“The rumour of the week plots Luke Schenn included in a package for van Riemsdyk. The facts tell us, while those discussions are believed to have taken place, there have been no solid offers made by either team and Schenn most definitely hasn’t been offered.”
As Dreger explains, Burke has simply inquired about the personnel value of van Riemsdyk. He and Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren are very good friends and have a long-running professional relationship. Knowing that, communication between the two is likely consistent.
On the other side, Dreger goes on to say that the Flyers and Holmgren want to acquire a top-tier defenseman before the Feb. 27 trade deadline. And while Schenn may be on the team’s list of available options, he’s not near the top.
“If the Flyers exhaust their search for premier defenceman and learn the likes of [Nashville Predators] Ryan Suter or Shea Weber aren’t available, it’s likely Paul Holmgren will more seriously engage in trade talks with Brian Burke. Toronto, without question would include Schenn in a trade if JVR is the return.”
In short, JVR for Schenn is not in the works and Schenn has not been offered to the Flyers. But in knowing what Burke is interested in, what he’s willing to part with and understanding the Flyers’ need for a top-four defenseman, right now, the speculation isn’t an impossibility.
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