Flyers Acquire Defenseman Pronger from Ducks

The Philadelphia Flyers made a huge splash during the first round of the 2009 Entry Draft by acquiring defenseman Chris Pronger and left wing Ryan Dingle from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for right wing Joffrey Lupul, defenseman Luca Sbisa, Philadelphia's 1st round picks in 2009 and 2010, and a conditional 3rd round pick in 2010 or 2011. The Ducks later traded Philadelphia's 1st round pick to Columbus in exchange for the 26th overall pick in the draft, which they used to take center Kyle Palmieri. The trade came after Scott Niedermayer announced his intentions of returning for another NHL season. In all 82 games last season with the Ducks, Pronger scored 11 goals and 37 assists for 48 points and 88 penalty minutes. Dingle did not play in any NHL games last season and has yet to see any NHL action. In 79 games last season with the Flyers, Lupul scored 25 goals and 25 assists for 50 points. Sbisa, in his first NHL season, appeared in 39 games with the Flyers, scoring seven assists.

I have to admit, the Flyers gave up quite a bit to acquire Pronger, but they really needed a top-two defenseman like Pronger. The Ducks made out well in this trade in the two first round picks, as well as some young talent in Lupul and Sbisa for their rebuilding team. Pronger should be a good fit on the Flyers' blueline, giving them lots of grit, toughness, leadership, and some offense, especially on the power play. However, Pronger's salary pushes the Flyers very close to the cap ceiling, leaving them little room to bring in depth via the free agent market. Although, GM Paul Holmgren has been very crafty the last few years in keeping his highly paid team under the salary cap. He's allowed to spend over the cap by I believe 10% during the off-season, but must have his payroll at $56.8 million by the start of the season. Not to worry Flyers fans, as Holmgren surely has a solid plan in place to stay below the cap.

Dingle is merely a depth player who could evolve into the third line forward. For now, he will likely remain in the minors, unless the Flyers become ravaged with injuries next season.

Lupul begins his second stint with the Ducks, who originally traded him to acquire Chris Pronger from Edmonton in 2006. Lupul's production has been up and down the past few seasons as he's jumped from team to team, but coming back to an organization he's familiar with may help his production increase. He has the potential to become a top-six forward and he is well on his way to becoming just that. Look for Lupul to better himself next season playing alongside the likes of Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Teemu Selanne.

The Flyers gave up on Sbisa awful quick after drafting him late in the 1st round in 2008. He has plenty of offensive potential as a defenseman and will likely become a top-four defenseman. Sbisa should become a good fit on Anaheim's blueline.