TSN is reporting that the Flyers have acquired 34-year old defenseman Chris Pronger from the Anaheim Ducks for forward Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa and the 2009 and 2010 first-round picks, with a conditional future third-round selection. The Flyers have been on the hunt for the big-hitting veteran defenseman since Jay Bouwmeester fell just out of their reach.
Despite aging, Pronger is still a legitimate top defenseman in the NHL. He is big, mean and experienced. Just what the Flyers needed. Philly may have appeared to pay too much, but if General Manager can package Danny Briere or another big-money forward to get back into the first round, the Pronger deal will be much easier to swallow.
Pronger has one more year left on his contract a $6.25 million. The Flyers relieved a little over $4 million with Lupul heading the other way. Look for Holmgren to make some more cap space before the night is over.
Phila.Bright 