by Shane Christensen

Created on: May 07, 2008

The Philadelphia Flyers of 2007-2008 could become the professional sports template for turning around a franchise in the shortest time period possible. Last season, they finished dead last in a year that could be conservatively described as a train-wreck, as it was filled with as much drama as an afternoon soap opera.

Most teams find it difficult if they lose one of their top players or management personnel in any given year, but the Flyers might have set a record in that department. It started with losing two of their best players to retirement as captain Keith Primeau finally gave in to his debilitating back problems, as well as solid veteran blueliner Eric Desjardins. Peter Forsberg took over the captaincy but was hurt with a foot injury that kept him out of the line-up for most of the year. Add the loss of Michael Handzus and another solid blueliner Kim Johnsson, and it's no wonder longtime GM Bobby Clarke resigned and was replaced by Paul Holmgren, and a coaching change was also made as assistant John Stevens took over the reins from the fired Ken Hitchcock.

And this is where it gets very interesting, as Holmgren initiated a virtual hornets nest of activity that when looked at in hindsight, was absolutely brilliant. One of his first moves was to get rid of Forsberg in a trade with Nashville that saw Scottie Upshall and Ryan Parent move to Phillie. These guys have been an integral part of the turnaround this year, and have made a huge difference in the playoffs.

A couple of promising defense prospects came over in trades also, as Braydon Cobourn and Lasse Kukkonen joined the team and also developed into solid players that have rewarded Holmgren with their impressive play.

And then one of the biggest moves was made that finally gave the Philadelphia franchise something it has lacked in years, solid goaltending. Martin Biron was grabbed up from Buffalo, and he has proven to be THE guy they've been lacking between the pipes, especially with his solid efforts throughout this years amazing playoff run.

Other players that were brought into the organization were Kimmo Timonen, Scott Hartnell, Joffrey Lupel, solid veteran Oiler defenseman Jason Smith, and that little guy from Buffalo who can score a lot of goals for you, Daniel Briere.

Wow! Is this unprecedented or what? Sure, there have been blockbuster trades in a lot of professional sports, but this was such a ballsy move on Holmgren's part that he is looking like an absolute genius right about now. Especially in

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