Blues make qualifying offer to Pronger

[Madferret]

Blues make qualifying offer to Pronger
TSN.ca Staff

The St. Louis Blues extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent defenceman Chris Pronger.

It is a somewhat surprising move, following the Blues' assertion that they would not be buying out forwards Doug Weight and Keith Tkachuk. With Tkachuk and Weight combining to take up $13.3-million of the new $39-million salary cap, it figures to be a challenge for the Blues to find room for Pronger's $7.22-million offer.

By extending the qualifying offer, however, the Blues do retain the right to match any offer that Pronger receives, as well as the right to draft pick compensation if they elect not to match.

Pronger, 30, won the Norris Trophy in 2000 and is one of the league's most decorated defencemen. He's played for Canada's last two entries in the Winter Olympics.

After missing most of the 2002-2003 season due to a serious wrist injury, Pronger rebounded to have a solid campaign in 2003, 2004, scoring 54 points in 80 games. The Blues acquired Pronger from the Hartford Whalers, in exchange for Brendan Shanahan, in 1995.

St. Louis also announced that they have extended offers to 11 other players, including Eric Boguniecki, Ryan Johnson, Jamal Mayers, Mark Rycroft, Peter Sejna and Bryce Salvador

[The Insider]

What are the Blues thinking???

If their think that theying can swing a deal with any of the three players, they are out of their minds. No one is going to pay this kind of dough to any of the three, and if Pronger is signed for more than 6.7 million that's 20 Million on 3 players. And I thought my team has cap problems ;)

[KB in Kelowna]

What are the Blues thinking???

If their think that theying can swing a deal with any of the three players, they are out of their minds. No one is going to pay this kind of dough to any of the three, and if Pronger is signed for more than 6.7 million that's 20 Million on 3 players. And I thought my team has cap problems ;)

I guess they are thinking that these 3 and a support cast are enough to win with. I don't think so myself but I am not a WalMart heir, so what do I know.

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

The Blues just qualified Pronger to retain his rights. I don't think that means they have to sign him. This way if a team tries to sign him on August 1st they'll get compensation, or if nobody bites they can try to deal him.

In a way it's similar to the Seahawks in the NFL franchise tagging Shaun Alexander even though he was ready to go to free agency at the beginning of the offseason.

[Newfie John]

The Blues just qualified Pronger to retain his rights. I don't think that means they have to sign him. This way if a team tries to sign him on August 1st they'll get compensation, or if nobody bites they can try to deal him.

In a way it's similar to the Seahawks in the NFL franchise tagging Shaun Alexander even though he was ready to go to free agency at the beginning of the offseason.

I'm pretty sure if Pronger accepts the qualifying offer, the Blues are stuck with him.

[The Insider]

The Blues just qualified Pronger to retain his rights. I don't think that means they have to sign him. This way if a team tries to sign him on August 1st they'll get compensation, or if nobody bites they can try to deal him.

In a way it's similar to the Seahawks in the NFL franchise tagging Shaun Alexander even though he was ready to go to free agency at the beginning of the offseason.

I understand that, but if no one goes after him, they are then stuck with him and his contract, which with the new cap system, there won't be a lot of takers. I think they need to re-think the whole Weight, Tkachuk decision and buy one of them out, otherwise, methinks the playoff streak may come to an end.

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

I understand that, but if no one goes after him, they are then stuck with him and his contract, which with the new cap system, there won't be a lot of takers. I think they need to re-think the whole Weight, Tkachuk decision and buy one of them out, otherwise, methinks the playoff streak may come to an end.

I see what you're saying, and personally I'd buy Tkachuk out. Isn't he making close to the max? However, the Blues apparently lost a lot of money before the lockout and aren't willing to spend extra cash on buying players out.

I think St. Louis might be able to trade Pronger though. They just need to understand that under the new CBA a guy with his contract won't fetch an arm and a leg, so don't go asking for them :)

[The Insider]

I see what you're saying, and personally I'd buy Tkachuk out. Isn't he making close to the max? However, the Blues apparently lost a lot of money before the lockout and aren't willing to spend extra cash on buying players out.

I think St. Louis might be able to trade Pronger though. They just need to understand that under the new CBA a guy with his contract won't fetch an arm and a leg, so don't go asking for them :)

Put it this way, with any of the three players there are UFAs of equal or better talent available, the idea of trading for something you could have wihtout giving up anything from your team is an option that many in fact everyone except Mike Millbury would opt to do. If the Blues were smart they'd buy out both Weight and Tkachuk that way cap space is open and two underacheivers are gone.

[KB in Kelowna]

There is a blog I like to read that offers some insight into the Blues plight:
http://jesgolbez.blogspot.com/

[Madferret]

Here's an idea...

To Anaheim - Chris Pronger
To St. Louis - Anaheim's #2 pick

Interesting Pronger Article (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/blues/story/2F67FCBAA0C84C218625704C001C9954?OpenDocument)

[slapshot™]

Here's an idea...

To Anaheim - Chris Pronger
To St. Louis - Anaheim's #2 pick

Interesting Pronger Article (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/blues/story/2F67FCBAA0C84C218625704C001C9954?OpenDocument)

Here's a better one...

Chris Pronger joins the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a trio of Edmonton blueliners ? Eric Brewer, Doug Lynch and Jeff Woywitka.

[KB in Kelowna]

Here's a better one...

Chris Pronger joins the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a trio of Edmonton blueliners ? Eric Brewer, Doug Lynch and Jeff Woywitka.

Wow you should be the Oiler GM Slappy, do you think Larry Pleau will take the offer? :pimp:

[slapshot™]

Wow you should be the Oiler GM Slappy, do you think Larry Pleau will take the offer? :pimp:

It's all about the timing....:D

[Iced Tea]

Here's a better one...

Chris Pronger joins the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a trio of Edmonton blueliners ? Eric Brewer, Doug Lynch and Jeff Woywitka.This trade will never happen. Pleau isn't stupid enough to let Lowe acquire one of the best defenseman in the NHL.

Why do crazy rumours like this continue to be posted on this forum. This trade will never happen because Pronger is going to the Leafs for Tucker and Antropov. :D