Risk/Reward

Paul Coffey. Derian Hatcher. Chris Pronger. What do these three have in common?

Besides being among the greatest defensemen of their respective generations, each of them joined the Philadelphia Flyers late in their careers, brought in to help the organization win a Stanley Cup. Coffey and Hatcher failed to do so. Pronger looks to buck that trend.

"I'm very excited," said the 34-year old Pronger. "The fans are passionate about hockey. The style of play the Flyers play certainly fits mine. They've got some great young talent. I hope to help them win a Stanley Cup."

That's good news. Because expectations are high. And the Flyers gave up a lot (a 19-year old defensemen with loads of potential, a 50-point scorer, and two first-round draft picks) for his services.

Some hockey fans say the Flyers gave up too much. After all, Chris Pronger isn't getting any younger. This is true. But the guys the Flyers gave up to acquire the future Hall of Famer don't yet possess the leadership, talent, or playoff experience that Pronger does. Then again, we thought Coffey and Hatcher possessed those same qualities.

There's no denying Pronger's winning ways, though. He led the St. Louis Blues to nine playoff appearances in nine seasons (the Blues went on to miss the playoffs for the first time in 25 seasons the following season). His next team, the Edmonton Oilers, advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals in his one season with the club. And after requesting a trade that landed him in Anaheim, Pronger led the Ducks to a Finals win the following year.

He may not score like Malkin or skate like Ovechkin, but Chris Pronger is still a force in this league. He's one of the few players that's transitioned well to the post-lockout NHL rules changes and he certainly seems to know a winner when he sees one.

The Flyers may have taken a risk in acquiring Chris Pronger. But based on his past -- and considering how close the Flyers are to contending for a championship -- it's a risk worth taking.