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Paul Holmgren Tried To Sign Eric Lindros, in 2012
By Kyle Scott
Published:
PAUL HOLMGREN STRIKES AGAIN! From ESPN.com:
The Philadelphia Flyers tried to entice Eric Lindros into a comeback five years after his retirement from the NHL, Lindros confirmed on Friday during the Hockey Hall of Fame induction weekend.
The offer came at some point after Lindros played in the alumni game ahead of the 2012 Winter Classic.
“(Former Flyers GM) Paul Holmgren called me after the outdoor game and started talking gibberish about cap space and things like that in Philadelphia,” Lindros chuckled to the assembled media at the Hockey Hall of Fame. “We were playing in that baseball stadium and I think he had the worst seat in the house. He was up in the bleachers or something, I don’t know what game he was watching. I don’t know what game he was watching, but I got a call. And (I thought): ‘Geez are you kidding me?'”
Holmgren, now president of the Flyers, confirmed via text message to ESPN on Friday that he indeed made the offer to Lindros and that he was serious too.
“Thought he would be a good trade deadline addition,” said Holmgren.
This is… remarkable. Lindros would’ve been 39 at the time and had been retired for five years after being decimated by concussions, but Paul Holmgren, who I’d like to remind you is still the president of the Flyers, thought he would make a good trade deadline acquisition. Incredible.
Kyle Scott is the founder and editor of CrossingBroad.com. He has written for CBS Philly and Philly Voice, and been a panelist or contributor on NBC Sports Philly, FOX 29 and SNY TV, as well as a recurring guest on 97.5 The Fanatic, 94 WIP, 106.7 The Fan and other stations. He has more than 10 years experience running digital media properties and in online advertising and marketing.