The Flyers announced this evening what many began to suspect weeks ago- Chris Pronger will miss the remainder of the 2011-12 season, including the playoffs.
The announcement, from Paul Holmgren, via the Flyers’ web site: “After consultation with respected concussion specialists Dr. Joseph Maroon and Dr. Micky Collins, it is the opinion of both doctors that Chris is suffering from severe post concussion syndrome. It is the recommendation of Doctors Maroon and Collins that Chris not return to play for the Philadelphia Flyers for the remainder of the 2011-12 season or playoffs. Chris will continue to receive treatment and therapy with the hope that he can get better.”
One can only hope that taking the year off will help him heal enough to be ready in the future. Realistically, though, Pronger may never fulfill any of the five years remaining on his contract. Provided he does not retire in that time, the organization can put Pronger on LTIR every year similarly to how Ian Laperriere’s contract is dealt with.
I have to wonder whether this incident will move the organization to require visors on all of their players in the future (although one could argue the visor may not have done anything to stop the stick hit from Mikhail Grabovski that likely began the downward spiral).
This certainly makes the move for another defenseman more critical, no?
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Sorry to hear about, but not surprised, I wish him a full recovery and and enjoyable retirement with his Family..He doesn’t need to worry about returning to the game… He has nothing to prove, enjoy your kids and wife …
Indeed.He may need to rethink his goals in hockey right now.Too young and deep for him to be a real difference maker next season.Who knows though…T.O. played.HAAA.
What ashame! He is one of my favorite defense-men of the last decade. He should just retire, before he has an irreversible injury. Go get Weber, Homer!