The Anaheim Ducks kicked off the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in memorable fashion, dealing veteran defenseman Chris Pronger to the Philadelphia Flyers moments before the New York Islanders selected John Tavares with the first pick.While the Flyers certainly need a defensemen, especially after Hatcher's retirement, what worries me is Pronger's age and the fact that the Flyers paid such a high price to get him. I can live with saying goodbye to Lupul and Spisa, a young prospect, but I think that 2 first round picks might be a lot, if not too much for him. One 1st round draft pick, whether it be this year's and next year's along with Spisa and Lupul and I would consider this deal an absolute win. It's that 2nd 1st rounder that has worried that the Flyers paid too many bucks for the bang of a 34-year old defensemen, even though it is Chris Pronger.
The Flyers shipped prospect Luca Sbisa, forward Joffrey Lupul and two first-round picks: this season's No. 21 and next season's first-round pick.
Pronger, 34, was one of several players being actively shopped here this week. He became even more expendable when veteran defenseman Scott Niedermayer reportedly told the Ducks that he would return for another season, instead of retiring.
This past season Pronger played in all 82 games, scoring 11 goals and 48 points. He also had 88 penalty minutes and will give the Flyers a rugged presence on the blue line, something they were lacking after losing Derian Hatcher to an injury-induced retirement.
Regardless, I certainly hope that Pronger still has gas and the tank and despite the high price, I am excited and glad to see that Chris Pronger is now a Flyer!
Update: According to Puck Daddy, the Flyers have also received Ryan Dingle from the Anaheim Ducks in this deal. Trust me, you're not the only one asking, "Who on earth.....???" I'm pretty sure he's a young prospect....
As a Sharks fan, I'm glad to see Pronger leave:-)
ReplyDeleteAlso I wonder what Pronger's wife thinks of the trade? She is the women who wanted to live in SoCal.
I have to say the NFL Draft is odley compelling. The players being drafted are sitting in the grandstands and usually have a hot mom, sister, or girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could die and come back as a hockey player.
It's more entertaining than the NBA Draft, imho. Then again, I'm pretty sure most Little League/YMCA drafts are more interesting than this year's NBA Draft was.
ReplyDeleteThe hot girlfriend I totally understand, but the part about wanting a hot mom and sister is sort of creepy...;-)
one day this trade will be close to this trade: June 30, 1992,
ReplyDeleteFlyers got - Eric Lindros
Nordiques got - Peter Forsberg, Ron Hextall, Mike Ricci, Steve Duchesne, Kerry Huffman and a first-round draft pick (Jocelyn Thibeault), as well as future considerations (Chris Simon and another 1st Round pick) and cash (Not just cash, $15 million). Thibeault was later traded to Montreal in the deal that brought Patrick Roy to Colorado. Players involved in the Lindros trade were also used to acquire Alex Tanguay, Rob Blake, and Raymond Bourque.
Please don't remind me of the worst trade that the Flyers ever made.....;-)
ReplyDeleteAlthough, it does have to be said that the Flyers did end up getting back Ron Hextall not too long afterwards and 13 years later, Peter Forsberg did rejoin the Flyers.
Without a doubt though, that trade is definitley a stain on the Flyers legacy and while I am too young to remember the actual trade happening (I was not even 3-years old then), I will never forget being live at the First Union Center (now re-named the Wachovia Center) during Game 7 of the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals when Eric Lindros got knocked out by Scott Stevens and skated off the ice as a Flyer for the last time.
you were there for that game? amazing...and yea i may be exaggerating a little
ReplyDeleteYep. Forget the Eagles Super Bowl loss to the Patriots and mulitple NFC Championship losses, that game Game 7 loss in 2000 was the single most heartbreaking sports game I have ever seen. And it was made so much more memorable by being there live. 9 years later and having seen multiple replays of it, I can still vividly recall seeing live Stevens knock out Lindros and him just lying there on the ice.
ReplyDeleteyep..it's always the big loss that you remember.for me,the 1-0 Orioles loss to Cleveland that ended the 97 ALCS. Camden Yards went from loud to very,very quiet within seconds after Tony Fernandez hit the GW-homer. of course the fact i blew off a midterm(as a first-semester freshman) to go the game plays a factor:) also, the Lindros trade is a little defensible in that he was only 19, unlike old man Pronger. it wasn't the Flyers fault he was more fragile than your average Ming vase.
ReplyDeleteRandom note: I'm outta here for the weekend, JFein. Enjoy the Confederations Cup Final.
ReplyDelete+1 kt.
ReplyDeleteSee you on Monday, Keith!