The 2009 NHL Entry Draft started out with a bang as the Philadelphia Flyers attempted to steal the show by trading for hulking defenceman Chris Pronger. The deal saw Philadelphia acquire Chris Pronger and forward Ryan Dingle from the Anaheim Ducks for defenceman Luca Sbisa, winger Joffrey Lupul ,two first round picks and a conditional third round pick in 2010 or 2011.Fantasy Outlook: Look for Pronger to continue being a thorn in the side of the top players in the league. In moving to Philadelphia, Pronger has once again become the top defenceman on his team. He will bring leadership and grit to an improving team and allow for more stability in the backend. His numbers should remain similar to what he had in Anaheim and may rise slightly with his increased responsibilities. With one year remaining on Pronger’s contract, look for the Flyers to try and sign him long term.
Pronger still remains a top dman in the league and will help a fantasy owner regardless of the style of pool you are in. He will contribute both points and penalty minutes on a consistent basis and is not an injury risk. Look to draft him in early mid rounds.
Joffrey Lupul has the unlucky fortune of being traded for Chris Pronger for the second time in his career. Lupul heads back to Anaheim where he will be given the opportunity to play on the top two lines for a young and improving team. Playing in 79 games last season, with 25 goals and 25 assists, Lupul’s numbers should rise next season.Lupul is a great option for a depth player on your fantasy roster at this point. He should welcome the change going back to sunny California and his numbers should reflect that. Look for Lupul to be available in keeper leagues and should be chosen in mid rounds of our draft. He may have the ability to creep into keeper territory depending on the season he has.
Luca Sbisa, a 2008 first round pick, will be joining a young and talented Anaheim blueline. Sibsa had 7 points in 39 games last season with the Flyers and added 36 PIMS. Given Anaheim’s depth on the blueline, look for Sbisa to start the year in the AHL or as a sixth dman. Fantasy owners should watch as Sbisa has the ability to put up points and PIMS and may be worth taking a flyer on in deeper leagues.
Mark
