It has been a long time since anyone wearing orange and black was seen circling the ice holding hockey’s Holy Grail – the Stanley Cup.

The Flyers won back-to-back Cups in ‘73-’74 and ‘74-75. They have a rich heritage. But they don’t have a title in the last 34 years.

We have seen any number of prospects come and go. Two of the latest group include Joffrey Lupul and Luca Sbisa. They were thought to be two of the building blocks that could return the Flyers to the winner’s circle. Not anymore.

For the Flyers, the future – which included Lupul and Sbisa – is now.

Paul Holmgren wants to win now. That’s why he pulled the trigger on the deal that sent these two young stars, along with two future first-round picks, to the Anaheim Ducks for bruising All-Star defenseman Chris Pronger.

Pronger is believed to be exactly the physical presence the Flyers needed in front of new goalie Ray Emery. Specifically, he will be called on to keep superstars such as the Pens’ Sidney Crosby and Yevgeni Malkin, as well as the Caps’ Alexander Ovechkin from getting too comfy in front of the net.

He’s also 34 years old, with a contract that expires next year.

Make no doubt. This isn’t about building, or the future. This is about now.

Holmgren wants to win a Stanley Cup now. He thinks Pronger is the final piece of the puzzle that will allow the Flyers to do that.

You have to give him credit for that. Too often sports franchises build for a future that never arrives.

Holmgren’s move makes it clear: The Flyers’ future is now.