Chris Pronger caught up with the media on Friday to discuss how his health has been improving over the summer. The biggest concerns were his wrist and lower back.
By all accounts, both have finally healed. The next step is conditioning.
“Usually, the first time on the ice you feel pretty good and then it’s day 2-3-4-5 that you’re a little suspect,” Pronger said, according to Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.
Pronger will not be ready for training camp next Saturday, as expected, but it is uncertain whether he will be ready to start the season. Logically, it would be better for Pronger to improve his conditioning now at the expense of losing a few weeks in October rather than risk reaggravating one of his former injuries.
Logic, along with this new age phenomenon called “foresight,” are not always utilized by the Flyer’s medical staff, though. Mike Richards was cleared to play last year despite a wrist injury sustained in training camp that ended up hurting the team in the post-season. Hopefully, Pronger will be allowed to gain his form back in a reasonable amount of time.
It’s ultimately his call to make. At the very least, the improvement in his health improves his likelihood of gaining the captaincy.
