Pronger Trade and the Flyers Draft Results

I think the biggest surprise of the draft was the lack of true trades. A large number of picks changed hands, but not much more. The Flames get an extra week to talk to J-Bow. It may give them an edge, but with his agent already stating they want to hear offers from all interested teams, I doubt the extra week means much. The Flyers were part of the biggest trade of the draft. Chris Pronger is a Flyer. Lupul, Sbisa, and 2 first rounders is a pretty steep price tag, but it makes sense. Lupul was due a big raise this season and the team is not short on goal scoring. He also only had 2 more points than Pronger. There is also a solid core of youth in the system so giving up the 2 picks isn't horrid. To me the biggest piece is Sbisa. He is still an unknown. He didn't look out of place with the Flyers last season. He could be a very good defenceman in the future. By the same token he could be the next Pitkanen. Only time will tell with Sbisa.

Pronger is an absolute monster. Other teams will have to pay a price around the Flyers net, which is something that was missing last season. I'm actually looking forward to the first game against the Penguins next season. I want to see a huge hit on Crosby. My only concern is that elbow. We all know how much the NHL likes the Flyers. How closely will Pronger be watched now with Crosby crying about him?

The Flyers are still right up against the cap so I expect more moves starting Wednesday. Perhaps Briere will be on the move, but finding a team to take that contract could be an issue. I'll be looking forward to Wednesday to see who lands where.

Here is how the Draft went for the Flyers:

Round 1 - 21 overall traded to Anaheim
Round 2 - No pick
Round 3 - G Adam Morrison (81), D Simon Bertilsson (87)
Round 4 - No pick
Round 5 - G Nic Riopel (142)
Round 6 - C Dave Lebrecque (153), LW Eric Wellwood (172)
Round 7 - D Oliver Lauridsen (196)