10 Reasons Why Pronger to Boston Is and Isn't Worth It

We've heard the rumors a dozen times if not more. Chris Pronger, a former Norris Trophy winner and Anaheim Duck is possibly heading to Boston. However, the rumored package in return doesn't seem to sit well with most Bruins fans, and for good reason. One rumored deal would send Chris Pronger and Travis Moen to Boston in exchange for Phil Kessel (currently leading the team in goals with 26), Mark Stuart, Joe Colborne and the B's 2009 1st round pick to Anaheim. The other rumored deal is pretty much the same, except you substitute Michael Ryder for Phil Kessel.

Now, we all understand that Chris Pronger is a superb talent. There's no question about that, however, would the price tag fit the return? In most B's fans minds, the answer is no. I'm inclined to agree with this thinking and present you with the top 5 reasons why trading for former Hart and Norris Trophy winner Chris Pronger is not worth it and the top 5 reasons why it is.

5 REASONS THAT CHRIS PRONGER ISN'T WORTH IT

1) Loss Of Potential - Alright, we've heard it more times than we'd like to admit, Phil Kessel has potential. It all depends on what Phil Kessel feels like showing up, is it the breakaway scorer who has 50 goal potential or the predictable winger we'll see? It's been a mix of most, but in 2008-09 we've definitely seen the shifty winger's best more than his worst. Keep in mind he's still just 21 and has skills you can't teach such as speed and deking.

2) Bye Bye Joe - Boston's 1st round draft choice (16th overall) has definitely been a big seller in the rumored deal for Pronger, but should the Bruins send him off already? Colborne's drawn many comparisions to Joe Thornton and posted good numbers for Denver University (9 G 19 A +7) in 34 games. It'd undoubtedly be a large risk as it's anticipated Colborne's skills and upside can make him into an elite NHL power forward as time goes on.

3) Pronger's Reputation - Joan Jett may have not given a damn about her bad reputation but Chris Pronger should. Pronger's been in trouble with the NHL several times for his what many consider dirty plays. One of the most severe and rather disgusting actions of Chris Pronger was his stomping of Canucks forward Ryan Kesler's leg. Pronger's most note-worthy offence was being suspended for Game 4 by the NHL for his hit to Dean McAmmond's head in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. A Bruins fan must wonder if Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli or Claude Julien could keep the sometimes volatile-tempered Chris Pronger out of the box, both the penalty and potentially press.

4) Boston: Free Agent Free Zone - It was just 8 months ago that Michael Ryder signed a 3 year, 4 million dollar deal. Now, one of the rumored deals has Ryder being the Bruin sent to Anaheim over Kessel. Would the Bruins really trade such a key player in their success just 8 months into his tenure with Boston? A move such as this could be a bad sign for future free agent signings, who would be weary of joining a franchise that will only trade them a few months later.

5) Cap Issues - Pronger's cap-hit comes in at 6.25 million dollars and is signed through the 2009-10 season. This will surely create problems for the Bruins who are already facing cap issues with retaining RFA's David Krejci, Phil Kessel (who'll likely be gone in the rumored deal) and Matt Hunwick to note a few. Along with these RFA's, the Bruins also have to work out a new deal or let go of UFA's Tim Thomas, Manny Fernandez, P.J Axelsson, Stephane Yelle and Shane Hnidy, who are more than likely all except for Thomas going to be sporting new jerseys next year.

5 REASONS WHY PRONGER IS WORTH IT

1) Proven Playoff Force - Pronger's 92 points in 134 career playoff games gives the Bruins even greater reason to pull the trigger for the veteran. Pronger's best post-seasons came in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 season where he scored 36 points in 43 games. In the 2005-06 playoff run, Pronger led the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals and in 06-07 season he led the Ducks to a 4-1 series win over the Ottawa Senators. Even in Anaheim's first round exit in 2007-08 Pronger registered 5 points (2 G 3 A) in 6 games. There's no doubting that Pronger is definitely a proven post-season weapon.

2) Terror From The Point - What will strike fear into any forward? The duo of Chris Pronger and Zdeno Chara. Pronger stands at 6'6 and Chara stands at 6'9. Both are known are monsters to play against considering they're long reach and physicality. A tandem of Pronger and Chara on alternating lines could be just what the Bruins need in the later rounds if they were to face Ovechkin and the Capitals.

3) Leadership - It's nothing new to any hockey insider that Chris Pronger can lead a team. He's captained both the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks and is 1 of just 5 active players to captain 2 different teams. Everywhere Pronger's gone, he's been honored with either the "C" or an "A" on his jersey.

4) Another Powerplay Threat - Throughout his career, Pronger has feasted on the powerplay. He's currently 3rd on the Ducks in powerplay points with 21 (3 G 18 A) and has registered 319 of his 595 career points on the powerplay. As they've shown time and time again this season, the key to the Bruins success has been their powerplay, another weapon from the point may just put them over the top.

5) Just CJ's Type vs. Not CJ's Type - Pronger, as stated several times, seems to embody the qualities of a player that fits into the Claude Julien system. He's gritty, hard-nosed and there's almost no one more physical than the man that wears 25 and we're not talking about Hal Gill. A trade of Phil Kessel would also rid the Bruins of a player who's play has been questioned of fitting into the Bruins system.