It took only a few hours to gain steam and lose it, but multiple sources are now reporting that the Kings and Ducks didn’t decide to swap Chris Pronger for Jack Johnson and a draft pick today.
At least two Web sites reported that the trade had been agreed to; however, teams can’t announce trades until after the Stanley Cup Finals are over. Representatives from both sides have since dismissed the deal as rumor.
Pronger’s status with the Ducks is constant grounds for outside speculation, so don’t expect any facts to get in the way of this rumor. However, the Ducks are unlikely to make an announcement about any defensemen not named Scott Niedermayer until Niedermayer makes an announcement about his own future.