PHILADELPHIA — After loading up on defensemen in the draft, the Philadelphia Flyers got one to help right away.

The Flyers acquired Luke Schenn from the Toronto Maple Leafs for forward James van Riemsdyk on Saturday. The 22-year-old Schenn should help replace the void created by the loss of captain Chris Pronger, who is unlikely to return because of post-concussion symptoms.

“He’s a young guy, he’s a big defenseman that plays physical and gritty, and he can move the puck,” Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. “To get guys like this, you’ve got to be picking high in the draft. It’s an opportunity for us and obviously James was taken high in the draft, too.”

Schenn had 14 goals and 61 assists in four seasons for Toronto.

“I wouldn’t ever compare myself to Chris Pronger. He’s obviously going to be in the Hall of Fame,” Schenn said.

Schenn is the older brother of Flyers forward Brayden Schenn. Luke Schenn was the fifth overall pick in the 2008 NHL draft.

“He couldn’t believe it. He told me it was a dream come true,” Luke Schenn said of his brother’s reaction. “It’s hard to comprehend right now.”