VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- In the aftermath of the Edmonton Oilers' bittersweet loss in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals comes something just plain bitter -- rumors that franchise defenseman Chris Pronger wants out of Edmonton.

Chris Pronger
Pronger

Rumors surfaced earlier in the season that Pronger was unhappy in Edmonton after being acquired by the Oilers in the offseason from St. Louis. A source familiar with the team told ESPN.com some time ago that Pronger's wife was unhappy with the prospects of a long stay in Edmonton. Pronger has four years remaining on his contract at $6.25 million annually.

After meetings Friday involving other GMs and the competition committee, Edmonton GM Kevin Lowe was vague about the situation, saying Pronger hadn't asked to be traded.

"He hasn't asked me. I'll just leave it at that," Lowe said obliquely. "I think they're more rumblings than anything. I'm pretty focused on the draft right now. I don't want to get too much into player personnel stuff."

Still, when asked if the reports that Pronger wanted out were true, Lowe balked. "I don't want to comment on it," he said.

Pronger for Lidstrom.

If Pronger forces his way out that would be fair I think. Though they wouldn't trade him unless they have to.

Pronger for Lidstrom.

If Pronger forces his way out that would be fair I think. Though they wouldn't trade him unless they have to.

I wouldnt make that deal

me either, unless Nick wanted more money than Holland is willing to pay him. I'd pair Lidstrom with Pronger here, except that the Oilers would want too much (Datsyuk or Zetterberg).

me either, unless Nick wanted more money than Holland is willing to pay him. I'd pair Lidstrom with Pronger here, except that the Oilers would want too much (Datsyuk or Zetterberg).

I was thinking of that as part of my thought.

If Nick wants 8 mil, Pronger gets 6.25, so we would get some cap savings.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=duckspronger&prov=st&type=lgns


Oilers deal D Pronger to Ducks

July 3, 2006

EDMONTON, Alberta (Ticker) - Chris Pronger got his wish.

After asking the Edmonton Oilers to trade him, the team honored his request on Monday, dealing the star defenseman to the Anaheim Ducks for right wing Joffrey Lupul, defenseman Ladislav Smid, a 2007 first-round draft pick, a conditional first-round selection and a second-round choice in the 2008 draft.

After nine stellar seasons in St. Louis, including winning the Hart and Norris Trophies in 2000, Pronger, 31, was traded to Edmonton last August 2. He had 12 goals and 44 assists in 80 contests with the Oilers this past season.

The 6-6, 220-pound Pronger also had five goals and 16 assists in 24 playoff games for the Oilers, who lost the Stanley Cup Finals to the Carolina Hurricanes in seven games. His 21 points were the most scored by a defenseman in the playoffs since 1994, when Brian Leetch had 34 for the New York Rangers.

But shortly after the postseason ended, Pronger - a four-time All-Star and three-time Olympian for Canada - expressed his desire to leave Edmonton, and the Oilers found a willing taker in the Ducks, who already have a star defenseman of their own in Scott Niedermayer.

"We believe having Chris Pronger join Scott Niedermayer on our blue line gives us two of the top defensemen in the NHL today," Ducks executive vice president and general manager Brian Burke said. "Players of this caliber don't become available very often, especially when they are still in the prime of their career."

Lupul, 22, had 28 goals and 25 assists this past season, his second in the league.

"We also wish to thank Joffrey Lupul and Ladislav Smid for what they have done for this organization during their time with us, and wish them the best in the future," Burke added.