For those of you who don't pay attention to the hockey world. Chris Pronger was traded today. About 10 days ago he asked for a trade citing 'personal reasons', whatever that means. Today, Kevin Lowe filled his request sending him to Anaheim. The deal brings to Edmonton; Joffrey Lupul, prospect Ladislav Smid a 1st rounder, a 2nd rounder and a conditional 1st rounder.
Joffrey Lupul is a one shot goal scorer. He had 28goals, 25assists and 53points for the Ducks this past year. He is from Fort Saskatchewan and his grandfather is one of the owners of the Oilers. He is still young at 22 and will increases out offence.
Ladislav Smid was picked 9th overall in the 2004 draft. He is a Czech defenceman that has been playing in pro leagues in the Czech republic since he was 16. This past season he came over to Nroth America and played in the AHL and was great. He is expected to play with the Oilers next year.
Anaheim is going to have an amazing defence now with Niedermayer and Pronger on the same blue line. CRAZY good! However, they still lack in depth on their forward lines. But this trade makes the Ducks a serious cup contender.
Overall, it's a hard trade to see happen, but stuff happens, and this trade puts the Oilers in a good position for years to come.
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4 comments:
Realistically, Edmonton probably doesn't expect to get anywhere near the Stanley Cup Finals next year, because the runner-up seldom gets to the finals the next year. Therefore, trading Pronger probably wasn't such a bad idea, because the Oilers can get rid of his salary. Anaheim, however, will benefit from this trade immemediately, unless Pronger gets injured-- which is always a possibility. Giguere will probably be the Ducks' starting goalie by the time next season ends, so they could use the help now.
Hey rob, thanks for the info. I knew Pronger went to Anaheim but it is good to hear what affect it will have on the team. Even if we don't make the playoffs next year, as the previous response says, we need to remember what Kevin Lowe stated as his goal early this year ...."to build a team that will challenge the cup in a few years". It will be fun to watch a young team develop again.
The western confrence is very strong again this year, but when has it ever not been.
It will be tough again to make the playoffs, but I think that they will. There is just too much scoring on the team now. And with Roloson back in net instead of what was here most of the year last year we'll do well.
I heard that we lost another good player from our team. Doesn't sound good...but I really don't know all that much about hockey players.
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