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Chris Pronger could become part of NHL Player Safety staff

By Catherine Silverman

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger (right) shakes hands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger (right) shakes hands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite ties to Flyers organization, Chris Pronger could become part of Player Safety staff

Confusion, indeed.

It was announced today that Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger, who hasn’t played with the team since 2011 due to post-concussion syndrome, is the “top candidate” to fill a vacant spot on the disciplinary committee for the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.

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The conflict, of course, revolves around the fact that- despite being on the team’s injured reserve list until 2017- Pronger is still technically affiliated with the Philadelphia Flyers. This could, it seems, be viewed as a conflict of interest- which poses an ethical question as to whether or not Pronger should truly be allowed to take the position.

This would be different from the position taken over the summer by Boston Bruins LTIR staff member, Marc Savard, since he does not hold a position in a league-wide organization.

It seems that the biggest issue would be ensuring that Pronger holds no bias for the team he still technically represents; although he would not be the one giving out the specific rulings, he would still be in a significant position of influence.

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