2009-10 NHL preview: Philadelphia Flyers

For the Philadelphia Flyers the future is now. That is the only way, we can explain the high price that they traded away to get Defenseman Chris Pronger, and the questionable move to bring in goaltender Ray Emery. However, after being eliminated form the playoffs the past two seasons by the Pittsburgh Penguins this team needed to make a few bold moves to surpass the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Whether or not these moves will work remains to be seen, but a message has been sent the Flyers will do whatever they can to knock the crown of the Penguins head.

For Pronger the Flyers gave up former first round draft picks Joffrey Lupul, and Luca Sbisa, as well as first round picks in 2009 and 2010. That is a heavy price to pay, even for a hard hitting defenseman like Pronger. If the Flyers want that move to be viewed as successful he must produce and that means a trip to the Stanley Cup finals.

While the Flyers are deep on the blue line, this move, along with Veteran Mike Knuble signing with Washington, has left the Flyers very thin with Forwards. Knuble and Lupul combined for 52 goals a year ago, and the Flyers will have to find those goals from others in 2009. The team is banking that a healthy Danny Briere and a more confident Claude Giroux will make up that goal deficiency.

Additions- G Brian Boucher, G Ray Emery, LW Lukas Kaspar, C Krystofer Kolanos, C Ian Laperriere, D Joey Mormina, D Chris Pronger, and F Jason Ward

Subtractions- D Andrew Alberts, G Martin Biron, D Nate Guenin, D Derian Hatcher, LW Boyd Kane, RW Mike Knuble, RW Joffrey Lupul, G Antero Nittymaki, and D Luca Sbisa