Many times in the last decade, we have implored our sports teams to go for broke. How many times have we begged the Birds to do whatever it takes to add that wide receiver it needed in the last five years? Don't we all want to see the Phils drain the farm system of all legit prospects to get another front line starter so we can take another trip down Broad Street this Fall? Usually, our local teams have decided against such risky maneuvers which have proven to be smart in some situations (the 2008 Phils) and not so smart in others (basically ever year of the Reid/McNabb era when we've been one player or two short of a title.) Well, this weekend, the Flyers went all in and could end up busted if they don't catch the right card on the river.
They have bet the ranch that 34 year old defenseman Chris Pronger is exactly what the Orange & Black have lacked to push them over the top. Clearly, Pronger is the kind of big, nasty, shut down defenseman this team has lacked since....well, forever. The Flyers haven't had a defenseman like this since Brad McCrimmon in the mid 80's. As long as he stays healthy, this trade undoubtedly makes the Flyers better for '09-'10. With this trade, the Flyers have a top three of defensemen (Pronger, Timonen and Coburn) that rivals any in the Eastern Conference. While the Flyers have traded away part of their scoring depth in giving up Joffrey Lupul, the scoring should remain strong due to the emergence of Claude Giroux. Of course, the big question for next year is the Ray Emery experiment. If he pans out (and I think that move is either all or nothing), Flyers could certainly knock off the Pens next year.
However, the bigger question is whether the Flyers gave up too much and how will this deal effect the Flyers long term. Personally, I had enough of Joffrey Lupul. He floated through way too many games and only really turned it on against inferior competition. The other pieces they gave up is what causes me to question the deal. Last year's first round pick, 19 year old defenseman Luca Sbisa showed a ton of promise as a rookie. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be an above average NHL defenseman. I'm still not sure why the Flyers had to give up two 1st round picks instead of one. They gave up a ton of valuable assets in today's cap world that covets cheap, in experienced talent. Plus, Pronger is only signed for this year. If they don't re-sign him or give him an extension, then they basically gave away three first round picks for a one year rental. Not the smartest of moves.
Although, if they wind up winning the Cup for the first time since 1975, then I think we'll all agree that the gamble was well worth it. It's a gamble we've been wishing the Eagles and Phils to take for years. Thanks for going out on a limb, Fly Guys. We all hope it turns out.
