Luke Schenn sent packing as the Leafs pick up James Van Reimsdyk from Philadelphia

The Toronto Maple Leafs traded defenseman Luke Schenn to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday in exchange for forward James Van Riemsdyk.  This deal will allow Luke and Brayden Schenn to play together in Philadelphia.

BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES FILE PHOTO

“We are really excited by the parts of the game that James will bring to the Leafs,” said Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke in a statement. “He will provide speed, size, and finesse to our top two lines and we know that he fits those needs that we have wanted to address for some time. We thank Luke for his tremendous on and off ice contributions to our organization. He’s a true professional and we wish him the very best in Philadelphia.”

Writing was on the wall

I am disappointed to see Schenn sent packing, but I have full faith that General Manager Brian Burke has his eye on the Chemistry of this fragile Leafs team.  It seems unfair in a sense because just as Luke Schenn seemed to get some more ice time and find his rhythm late in the season.  Just as he started to flourish under the Randy Carlyle system it is time for him to go.  Luke Schenn will be forever remembered as the young man who took the time to make a difference off the ice.  Luke’s Troops, a charity which allows Canadian servicemen and women to attend the team’s home games as Schenn’s guest was a great contribution from the future captain in the making.

James Van Reimsdyk will add serious size and mobility up front for the Toronto Maple Leafs moving forward.  No doubt that Burke answered the bell moving towards a solid sized forward that can make plays.  With the breadth of defensive talent  on the Leafs roster moving Schenn won’t hurt the team depth chart by any means.

Summer of Brotherly Love

These pictures from http://545talk.blogspot.ca show the two brothers definitely know how to party.  The Flyers spent the last few years making sure their team stayed out of trouble off the ice.  Will they need to keep an eye on the Schenn duo?

http://545talk.blogspot.ca

http://545talk.blogspot.ca

Follow me on Twitter and check my April Blog predicting Schenn leaving Toronto