After helping the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 2005–06 season, Pronger requested a trade for personal reasons.
[1] Not only did Pronger leave, but another major acquisition from the previous season, Michael Peca, was signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent.
Despite the losses in personnel, the Oilers had a very strong start to the season, briefly propelling them to the top of the Northwest Division standings.
At the deadline, the Oilers again stunned the NHL by trading their leading scorer, and pending Unrestricted free agent, Ryan Smyth to the New York Islanders for two prospects and a first-round draft pick.
Oilers general manager, and Messier's former teammate, Kevin Lowe was noticeably absent from the retirement ceremony.