Flyers GM Paul Holmgren stated on Philly.com yesterday that he expects Chris Pronger, age 37, to return next season. Pronger has been plagued by injuries as of late, and missed the majority of the 2011-12 season due to post-concussion syndromes and a knee injury. Rumors began circulating about his retirement a few days ago, when fans who live close to his Haddonfield, NJ home saw moving trucks outside. Holmgren was quick to state that Pronger is just spending sometime in St. Louis due to an illness in his wife's family and not retiring.
It's a tricky situation to think about. I've felt since the start of this season that even if Pronger returns in 2012, he only has a couple more games in him. Holmgren obviously would have to quell rumors that Pronger is retiring in order not to drive the price up for defensive prospects he may be looking at. If other teams knew for a fact that Pronger was going to retire then it would become more obvious how screwed the Flyers are on D; thus, asking prices for say, Ryan Suter, would go sky high. Holmgren probably wants Pronger to stick around, even if he stays on long term injured reserve, to avoid the huge cap hit his retirment would cause.
I've enjoyed watching Pronger play for years now, long before he was on the Flyers even. It may be his time to go though. According to his wife he is not showing much improve in terms of the post-concussion syndromes. Why risk it? Pronger has a Hart Trophy, a James Norris Trophy, a Stanley Cup, two Olympic gold medals and is a 6-time all star. He's had a great career and if he is seriously considering retirement he's earned it. I hope to see Pronger on the ice next season, if only for a few more games, but if retirement is in his near future, I'd say good luck and great career.
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