Chris Pronger is joining the NHL’s Department of Player Safety while is still technically under contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.
The news was confirmed Thursday after reports circulated that the former defenseman was joining the league office. Pronger has not played since November 2011 because of concussion issues. But with three years remaining on his contract with the Flyers, Pronger cannot just walk away because he’s due the money left on his contract and his retirement would affect the team’s salary cap.
The 39-year-old played in 1,167 career games with the Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and the Flyers.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said earlier this week that he wasn’t worry about Pronger’s contract with the Flyers becoming an issue.
“Chris’ case is unique,” Bettman said. “There are salary cap reasons why he couldn’t officially retire, but … if in fact we go that route, I’m not sure that presents any problem at all to deal with. He’s done playing. He gets paid no matter what from the Flyers. He doesn’t owe them anything.”
