Pronger Moved

MONTREAL

What didn't happen at the NHL trade deadline has happened just minutes before tonight's NHL entry draft.

Anaheim, apparently believing Scott Niedermayer will return next season, have moved defenceman Chris Pronger to the Philadelphia Flyers. That deal also takes the Flyers out of the Jay Bouwmeester sweeptakes after they were believed to be one of the hottest pursuers of the free agent blueliner.

With Derian Hatcher retiring officially, Pronger gives the Flyers another big man on the blueline, while the Ducks get the salary cap relief they require. Philly is expected to send winger Joffrey Lupul and possibly both young blueliner Luca Sbisa and a first round pick to Anaheim.

More on the deal later.