Pronger improving, but not ready to skate
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Pronger improving, but not ready to skate
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
It still seems like a longshot that Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger will ever play again, but at least there is a flicker of optimism.
Pronger, who missed most of last season with post-concussion syndrome, visited a doctor in Pittsburgh a few days ago and showed some improvement, general manager Paul Holmgren said on Thursday.
“He’s doing better, but not to the point where he can think about playing” right now, Holmgren said.
Asked if there was a chance Pronger could do some skating in the near future, Holmgren said, it's "too soon to consider that."
Pronger, a future Hall of Famer who will turn 38 on Oct. 10, had been living in a house he rented in Haddonfield. He and his family have moved to St. Louis, where his children are attending school.
If the season ever starts, the Flyers will get cap relief by placing Pronger on the LTIR list. If he retires, they will not get that relief, though that could change in the new CBA.
During the current lockout, Pronger ($7.2 million this season), Andrej Meszaros ($4.75 million), Matt Walker ($2 million) and Andreas Lilja ($700,000) will get paid by the Flyers because they were not cleared to play when the work stoppage went into effect.
Contact Sam Carchidi at scarchidi@phillynews.com or on Twitter @BroadStBull.
If he returned, it would be a great story for all concerned except for the internet doctors on this website who have the ability to diagnose and prescribe from in front of their computer screen. Do you know-it-alls sense how ridiculous you sound?— Claudio Vernight- If they are paying Pronger that much he should at least sell beer & hot dogs at one of the concession stands........— bigdaddyG
- If coming back would guarantee a Stanley Cup for the Flyers, I would still hope that Chris Pronger stays retired. If the last concussion lasted almost a year, another one could prove deadly. He could end up with a brain disorder that shortens or ruins his life. Hockey is just a game and us fans would rather see a live hero than a dead one. If they are going to win, it will be with the young and the healthy, not by putting Chris Pronger's life or health on the line. That isn't fair and Philly was always about fair. This guy did his job and gave 110% every minute out there.— gotedge
- i would love to see him back, with Crosbys long absence he seems to be doing fine now. He was going through the same thing as Pronger for a long time. There is a huge age difference, yes, and with the amount of years Crosby has left and have already gone through with what Pronger is going through, I really hope he can make it through his career for the sake of me having compassion for another human being. The only thing I fear about Pronger comming back though, is probably the same reason many other Flyers fans who been around for a while... and thats the touching story of Eric Lindros fighting back his concussion to return to the playoffs, score some points, then getting knocked out cold 2 games in which ended his career as a Flyer. I hope to see Pronger playing again. But I really dont want to see him or anyone ever leave the team/game like that again. Good luck Pronger, and I wish the best or you either way.
- Talk with Keith Primeau— shmoo
- Philly Thug, I was thinking the same thing. If I was him, I'd be kicking back....— NYFlyersFan
- His health isn't worth it. He is a future hall of famer and has done all he needs to do. The Flyers can use him as a coach somewhere down the line if he chooses to do that. Time to think about himself and his family.— d.w.d.
- Get back on the ice you slacker.— rockinrob
- Please don't come back. You had a great career. Enjoy this time with your family. Share your knowledge of the game w/ the youth in your community. You will be rewarded.— pnolan
- No reason to do it at 38.— Nitroglycerin
- Don't take the chance. Get healthy. We still remember you brought us a Stanley Cup here in Anaheim in 2007.— barryhurd2000
- F.....g Groundhog Day. Chris would be the first one to agree.— NYPHILLYPHAN
- Not trying to minimize his concusion, but I just don't know... Since he got the concussion from getting hit in the eye, is it different than from banging your head? I mean, you crack your head and get a concussion there is brain damage. The eye getting his releases a chemical and causes a concussion. Does anyone know if they are the same? If he were to get cleared from this, would it be as bad if he was hit in the head as it would be if he hit the ice with his head?— macd41144
- Do I want to see these guys suffer permanent disabilities after their careers are over - of course not. BUT playing this game and making 7.2 mil a year comes with risks! Get better and get on the ice!!
Bet he would be more apt to come back if it was the NFL and didn't have a guaranteed contract.— DG3 - Good Luck!— cooperhawk
