Niedermayer returning to Anaheim, but Pronger leaving

Earlier today, defenseman Scott Niedermayer told the Anaheim Ducks that he intends to return to the team next season. It’s a big relief for a club that heavily realizes on its defense, especially during the playoffs. However, the return of Niedermayer does have its downside, as it has forced the Ducks to trade defenseman Chris Pronger to the Philadelphia Flyers in order to clear salary cap space for Niedermayer.

However, the Ducks do receive a fair shake. In return for Pronger, the Ducks receive right wing Joffrey Lupul, defenseman Luca Sbisa (Flyers’ first-round pick in 2008), a first-round selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, a first-round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional third-round selection in the 2010 or 2011 NHL Entry Draft .

Niedermayer must still agree to a new contract with Anaheim, and if he does not come to terms with the Ducks by July 1 he could test the free agent market. With Pronger’s age, he’s only 34, and the uncertainty of Niedermayer’s return, makes this a questionable move for the Quackers. In a way, it makes you wonder if the Ducks’ four year playoff run could be coming to an end.