Philadelphia Flyers: Grading the Trading

Once the Philadelphia Flyers got wind that Jay Bouwmeester was refusing a new contract in Florida, the interest level began to rise significantly. Many thought that we would see Bouwmeester traded, signed, and introduced as the Flyers new defense man. So after we saw our bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, win Lord Stanley’s Cup, everyone was ready to see a change. We knew that the new contract extension for Joffrey Lupul was far too expensive for the Flyers to afford. We knew that Martin Biron’s short reign of the number one spot was coming to an end with the announcement of Ray Emery’s signing. And I think we all knew that draft day was more likely than not the day that the changes would come. Sitting on my couch with a plate of pizza I watched anxiously to see the young Johnathan Tavares be selected first when so unexpectedly, Darren Dreger reported that a trade had been made involving monster defense man Chris Pronger from Anaheim and the Philadelphia Flyers. Reports were saying it could be up to 5 players along with draft picks. Needless to say, I got a little worried. Then came the commissioner to tell us the specifics. The Anaheim Duck traded defense man Chris Pronger and prospect forward Ryan Dingle to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Joffrey Lupul, defensive prospect Luca Sbisa, Flyers 1st choice in the 2009 entry draft, first in the 2010 entry draft, and a conditional third round choice in 2010-2011. Blockbuster wasn’t even good enough to sum this trade up.

Let’s review this massive trade; Anaheim has been pestering the Flyers for Jofferey Lupul all year long. Upset that they threw him in a package for the acquisition of Chris Pronger from Edmenton, they thought they were now fair compensation for each other. Anaheim gets a 20+ goal scorer in Lupul, when he feels like contributing, along with a very solid young defense man. The 2 first round picks speak for themselves but could eventually mean nothing if they don’t draft well.  Now I say that about Lupul from watching him the past two years and seeing the inconsistencies in his game. You never know if he is going to come and play or just look at everyone else like its their fault. So obviously I’m content as a cucumber to see Lupul’s play along with his 4mil+ cap hit traded away. Seeing young Sbisa go was a bit upsetting because of the promise he showed for the future. After it came out he had a groin injury I understood more about it. On the Flyers end however, what it looks like to most is another “Eric Lindros” like trade. Giving the farm for a shot at a cup. But, even though Ryan Dingle will probably make little difference, Chris Pronger is the kind of player that will complete a contender. After all he and Scott Niedermayer completed the Anaheim Ducks and brought home the most coveted prize in hockey.

The play of Chris Pronger is known to be gritty, physical, in-your-face hockey, with a bit of offensive depth. As a Flyers fan, hearing about Pronger being a Flyer filled me with excitement because now we have a defense man that can fill the physical void that Jason Smith and Derian Hatcher left. Now with the excitement of Pronger being here I also had a thought of the future in the back of my mind. The contract Pronger had expired after this season was over. The only thought I had was an extension had to be signed for all that we gave up. Now with the cheaper goal tending tandem of Emery – Boucher, for right around 2.5 million against the cap, I knew there was wiggle room for Homer and th front office. But taking on the 6.25 million dollar hit to the cap was kind of putting the team back in peril with the cap expected to go down. A little over a week after his acquisition, Pronger signed a 7-year extension to end his career right here in Philly. The deal, worth around 35 million, hits the cap for a little under 5 million a year. One of the smartest and affordable extensions that Homer gave out.

So here we are, a city with a team that is finally on the verge of complete. The talented goalie Ray Emery, the massive, physical, tailor-made for Philly Chris Pronger, and the young nucleus of guys eager and willing to leave it all on the ice for the same goal. Bringing Lord Stanley’s Cup to the city of Philadelphia after a 34 year drought would make them be remembered in Flyers history forever. Expect great things from this club this year fans. Have a nice day and LETS FO FLYERS!!