Chris Pronger has left his role with the front office of the Florida Panthers, the team announced. Pronger had been the senior VP of hockey operations, notes Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. He’s been in the role since June of 2017 after three years of working for the NHL in the Department of Player Safety.
Pronger made his NHL debut in 1993-1994, playing for 18 years with the Hartford Whalers, Blues, Oilers, Ducks, and Flyers. The Hall-of-Famer was a four-time All-Star and the winner of the Norris and Hart Trophies after a monster 1999-2000 season with the Blues in which he put up 62 points and a league-leading plus-52 while on the ice. He also averaged a brutal 30 minutes and 14 seconds of ice time that year. Pronger would win his only cup in 2006-2007, the first of a three-year tenure with the Anaheim Ducks. The hulking defenseman retired after the 2011-2012 season.
The decision to leave his role with the Panthers appears to be Pronger’s. He’s leaving to launch Well Inspired Plans, a travel agency he’s heading up with his wife, per Adam Kimelman of NHL.com. The Panthers thanked Pronger for his contributions in their statement, writing: “…Chris approached the role with great passion and provided our team with a fresh and unique perspective…”
Prongs! Now we’re not going to get to hear you on a couple of high-profile NHL-themed shows & podcasts! Curious timing, but hope all goes well with the family venture!
He actually made 5 all-star appearances: ’99, ’00, ’02, ’04, & ’08 (according to Hockey Reference), but hard to believe that’s all he made.
Indeed, I was surprised to read that he only made 4, or even 5 All Star games. Maybe because he was less a huge point producer and more an intimidating physical presence behind the blue line, especially on the PK.
I think TC means Pronger made four post-season All-Star teams (1st or 2nd team). Pronger was actually named or voted to 6 in-season all star squads (was injured for one). Pretty good numbers for a guy who played the bulk of his career playing in a 26+ team league. Also the only D not named Orr to win the Hart since the end of World War II. Wild.
Interesting time to start a travel agency! Then again, could be a great time, get it set up and off to the races once there is a Covid vaccine.
Orrrrrr….he and his wife are really Russian spies and the travel agency is a front!
@Sheep8 – Are you suggesting that they might very well use the cover of… “Night Filing!”, ala The Great 8 and “Sergei” Varlamov? ;)
on the contrary, right after the pandemic would be a great time to start one. surely some will have went bankrupt, so their will be a niche to fill in the market. even now some people just want to get away if they can.
Actually, now that my pet Pangolin has been declared covid free, I’m planning on taking the poor thing to some exotic location…….(and leaving it there!). :D
@Gbear- Better not miss the next podcast, though! ;)
@Mac – My SiriusXM app goes everywhere I go. :)