He is one of the most active NHL general managers and during his five-year tenure, Paul Holmgren has pulled off an eye-popping 48 trades.
You can evaluate trades based on statistical performance, but I wanted to come up with Homers top five trades that have been the most influentialbeneficial to the franchise.
1. Peter Forsberg to Nashville for Scottie Upshall, Ryan Parent, a first- and third-round pick
This one move during the teams dismal 40th anniversary season has set up the Flyers for the past half decade, especially after Holmgren returned the first-rounder to Nashville for the exclusive signing rights to Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell. Looking back, Timonen for Forsberg straight up would have been a win in itself for the Flyers.
2. Luca Sbisa, Joffrey Lupul, two first-round picks and a third-round pick to Anaheim for Chris Pronger and Ryan Dingle
Theres a couple of reasons why I didnt bump this up to No. 1. First off, you could still argue the price was a little high, especially with two first-round draft picks, plus two former first-rounders in Sbisa and Lupul. I firmly believe the Flyers dont make it to the Stanley Cup Final without Prongers presence and now with the C hes the leader the team has been looking for in recent years. Prongers ongoing health concerns are why its Homers No. 2. By the way, Dingle is playing in Italy this season.
3. Alexei Zhitnik to Atlanta for Braydon Coburn
NHL
Nine days after the Forsberg trade, Holmgren caught another GM (in this case Don Waddell) in a vulnerable position of a win-now philosophy. As part of the Flyers rebuilding process, Homer stole Coburn out of Atlanta with the Thrashers looking to add a veteran presence during their first ever trip to the postseason. Coburn would be a top-four D-man on any team in the league. He is now the longest-tenured Flyer and that shouldnt change after signing a four-year extension.
4. Steve Eminger, Steve Downie and a fourth-round pick to Tampa Bay for Matt Carle and a third-round pick
This steal came during the short-lived Barry Melrose era in Tampa. Steve Downie had potential, but Im not sure with his undisciplined style he would have reached it here in Philadelphia. The Lightning clearly did not realize what they were getting with Eminger and, for whatever reason, they were ready to ship out Carle after just 12 games in Tampa. Carle has been steady both offensively and defensively and has only missed seven games in three years.
5. Ole-Kristian Tollefson and a fifth-round pick to Detroit for Ville Leino
Over time the Jeff Carter trade to Columbus will likely break into the top five, but for now this deal had no downside. Tollefson wasnt setting the world on fire defensively in Philadelphia and Leino was simply a salary cap dump for Detroit GM Ken Holland. Leinos greatest contribution came during the 2010 playoffs when he set the NHL rookie record for most points in a single postseason. Along with Danny Briere and Scott Hartnell, they were clearly the best Flyers line in the playoffs. Leino chipped in with 53 points last season. The Red Wings released Tollefson just hours after the trade was completed.
Next: Paul Holmgrens five worst trades.
E-mail John Boruk at jboruk@comcastsportsnet.com.