Holmgren talks JVR deal

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers

Q: This trade has been rumored for a while – did it just come about today?

“Obviously it was something in the wintertime that Brian and I discussed in theory, and then I think we both decided to just table it. It came up again yesterday and we talked about it. I believe it’s a good trade for both teams. It certainly fills a need for us and I think it fills a need for Brian’s team as well in terms of what they’re looking to do.”

Q: You guys had been rumored to be involved with a couple other big name players – does this shut the door on trades for another winger?

“I don’t think anything shuts the door on anything else we may look to do to improve the hockey team. We tried to improve our defense over the last few days, we looked for ways to try to improve it, and we think we did today. Obviously we gave up a good young winger in James, but we believe we got a good young defenseman, same age, back in Luke. As I said earlier I think it’s a real good trade for both teams.”

Q: Do you think this is a fresh start for JVR?

“Well, I don’t know about that. I think I’ve told you enough about how strongly I feel about James becoming a good player, and I believe he will become a very good player in our league. Unfortunately for us, I think it’s going to be for Toronto now. The guy we got coming back is going to fill needs on our team and is going to be a good young player on our team. So I think it’s a win-win.

Q: What does Luke Schenn bring to the Flyers?

He’s a young guy, he’s a right [handed] shot, he’s a big defenseman that plays physical and gritty, and he can move the puck. To get guys like this you’ve got to be piking high in the draft. It’s an opportunity for us… and obviously James was taken high in the draft too. It’s another reason I believe why it’s a good trade for both teams.

Q: How do you think this might affect Brayden Schenn?
“I don’t know. I know they’re very close, so I’ve got to believe it will be a positive thing for Brayden.”

Q: Have you talked to Luke yet?

“I did speak with Luke … he’d already talked to Brian, so the shock was probably over, but he seemed generally excited about a new chapter in his life.”