Pronger Trade

My Flyer friend, Big O’s, take on the Chris Pronger trade after I expressed the opinion that giving up Lupul, 2 #1s and a minor leaguer for a 36 year-old defenseman was quite a lot.

 

 

We gave up a boatload, no doubt.  Lupul is expendable bc we have Giroux coming up full time.  We gave up D Luca Sbisa, our #1 pick from last year, but he had years to develop.  What really hurts is giving up two more #1s as well. 

 

HOWEVER, we need to realize what Pronger is.  The guy is an absolute animal.  He turns 35 this year, but still has it.  Basically, this shows that Holmgren is in a win now mode.  Pronger has about 2-3 more good years in him.  Bottom line: we gave up alot, but Pronger immediately upgrades our defense, and gives us a legitimate shot for the Cup.  If we win, Homer will look like a genius, if we lose it will go down as a disaster.   Im choosing to be optimistic.  Look what Leafs GM Brian Burke said about Pronger going to broad street:

 

"Pronger was "born to wear Orange." He is the "prototypical Flyer," and the fans will love him. He said Philly has great fans, they are "vicious and loyal," and he will fit right in there.