Toronto GM not concerned with JVR’s health

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers recently completed a trade that had fans on both sides a little bit excited, but a little bit upset too. Sure, the Leafs got a big load of a young star in James van Riemsdyk, but they had to give up a nice young defenseman in Luke Schenn. The Flyers are excited for the defensive help, but man…JVR? If he reverts to 2010 playoff form, Flyers fans are going to be extremely upset.

But, one of the big things preventing that from happening are his injuries. JVR dealt with a busted foot, a bum hip and the dreaded concussion in 2011-12. That hampered him severely.

However, Leafs’ GM Brian Burke doesn’t seemed concerned about the injuries.

“We’ve got a number of players on our team who’ve had concussions,” Burke said through an Irish translator. “That doesn’t mean you’re particularly susceptible to additional concussions. A broken foot — guys like to block shots. The hip is a non-surgical thing that requires some treatment through the year. He got several medical opinions, including one in Toronto. The doctor said he didn’t need surgery.”

If JVR stays healthy, I think Toronto will love him. Could be a big “if.”