Paul Holmgren - a terrific GM

Today, the Philadelphia Flyers exchanged a 3rd round pick in 2008 for Jaroslav Modry.

YK Oil has long been a fan of Modry. Today, he had this to say on the deal:

Absolutely the single best trade deadline deal that will be made.

Despite the low point totals Modry was having a fantastic year in LA. Top-notch defender for a bargain basement price.

+0.90 EV +/- ..... +0.04 QCOMP ..... -0.06 QTEAM
Average TOI /game = 18+ minutes

Essentially the guy was playing very well against some of the best competition their team played and doing so while playing with some of the lesser lights LA had to offer. And he was doing for 18+ minutes a night.

I think this deal goes beyond what's shown on the surface. Let me explain:

Like some may remember, Paul Holmgren acquired Alexei Zhitnik on December 16, 2006 in exchange for Freddy Meyer and a conditional third-round draft pick. He speculated that Zhitnik's value would increase at the trade deadline.

He was right.

He then flipped the asset (Zhitnik) at the trade deadline on February 25, 2007, for top defence prospect Braydon Coburn.

Astute management.

Which brings me to today's transaction. I believe it is setting up for "tommorow's" deal in captain Jason Smith. With Philadelphia hard pressed at the cap, and Smith, slowing down, it seems a deal will come to fruition by the deadline.

STORY

Holmgren acknowledged there has been some interest in captain Jason Smith, who is in the final year of his contract and does not appear to be close to an agreement with the Flyers.

Holmgren basically replaced Smith for cheap by acquiring Modry, and will presumably sell him for more (than the acquisition cost of the replacement).

Asset management. Which is, why Paul Holmgren is one of the top GM's in the NHL.