Niedermayer, Pronger center of attention

February 23, 2009 | 10:31am ET
Niedermayer, Pronger center of attention
TheFourthPeriod.com

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/ana090223.html

As the Ducks struggle to position themselves safely in the playoff picture, GM Bob Murray is receiving plenty of calls about his potentially available players, reports the Orange County Register.
It's believed the Ducks are willing to sell some of its players as the March 4 trade deadline approaches.

"There are some interesting talks," Murray told the Register. "Our guys are good playoff players."

The Ducks remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, but if the right offers come along, Murray will have to serious consider them.

"No matter what, I have to listen to anything that gives us a chance to be a better team next year," Murray said. "I'm not about just getting in the playoffs and then losing in the first round. It's about getting in and being capable of winning."

According to the Register, the Ducks are receiving plenty of inquiries about superstar defensemen Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer.

Pronger has one-year left on his contract beyond this season, while Niedermayer can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

"I'm getting a load of calls on Chris and Scotty," Murray said.

Various reports have linked the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers to Pronger, while the Devils appear interested in bringing Niedermayer back to New Jersey.

If the Ducks part with either star blueliner, the return will likely include a first-round draft pick, a top young prospect and an NHL-ready athlete.

The Register also lists defensemen Steve Montador, Kent Huskins and Bret Hedican, and forwards Todd Marchant, Brendan Morrison, Samuel Pahlsson, Travis Moen and Rob Niedermayer as trading candidates.


From the Editor: There's a reason the Ducks are getting plenty of calls. They have quality players that can help any playoff-bound team. While I expect players like Morrison and Rob Niedermayer to be on the move, Scott Niedermayer and Pronger will be more difficult to part with because of his high price tag. That being said, a team thinking it can capture the Stanley Cup would be willing to pay a hefty load for either of these two players. It wouldn't surprise me to see either star swap jerseys within the next 10 days. -- David Pagnotta.