2011-12 Flyers Season Thread: Now With Less Alcohol!

[Rome]

Here's the official release...

EC - 15
7:41 p.m.

Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren gave the following update on the status of Chris Pronger:

"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."

Just like Primeau...

[SunMo]

hopefully giroux doesn't have the same deal...if he's out they are done and done.

[ice grillin you]

Per today's update, probably easiest to assume Pronger will never play again.

he wont...the question is how much of a fleshpop is he as far as not retiring and trying to come back when he knows he will never be healthy again...the guy couldnt stay healthy without the concussion issue...if he pulls the plug before the summer then this is the best flyer news in a long time

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

if he pulls the plug before the summer then this is the best flyer news in a long time

since they signed Bryz for sure

[LBIggle]

I think they'll miss him in the playoffs but I do like the money it frees up.  I'm assuming thats only the case. when/if he retires though correct?

[Eagles_Legendz]

No, I think longterm IR frees up cash this year.  Someone said they'd be $3.6 mil under the cap which would give them some flexibility I guess.

Talbot has been so good this year.  The offense is the unexpected part of it, but he was crazy on that whole PK.

[ice grillin you]

if he pulls the plug before the summer then this is the best flyer news in a long time

since they signed Bryz for sure

imo it would be way better news if they hadnt...can you imagine the cap room minus breezy AND pronger

I think they'll miss him in the playoffs but I do like the money it frees up.  I'm assuming thats only the case. when/if he retires though correct?

90% chance he wouldnt have been healthy for the playoffs anyway

[SD]

Per today's update, probably easiest to assume Pronger will never play again.

he wont...the question is how much of a fleshpop is he as far as not retiring and trying to come back when he knows he will never be healthy again...the guy couldnt stay healthy without the concussion issue...if he pulls the plug before the summer then this is the best flyer news in a long time

This is my fear as well and I'm as big of a Pronger fan as there is. Him calling it quits is the best thing for everyone.

[ice grillin you]

the maturation of bob from last to this year is just phenominal

[Don Ho]

7 in a row.  First time in 10 years. 

[Eagaholic]

more about the $

Flyers fans' worst fear has been confirmed: the team just announced that Chris Pronger will sit out the rest of the season and playoffs because of severe post-concussion syndrome. Here's the official statement:

"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."

Obviously, this is an enormous blow to the Flyers. A healthy Pronger is a huge difference-maker. That much was evident in the 2010 playoffs when the team came two wins short of a Stanley Cup despite interchanging between Brian Boucher and Michael Leighton in net. You can make a reasonable argument that Pronger deserved a Conn Smythe nod on three different occasions, so there's no doubt he'll be sorely missed.

The bigger worries go beyond this season, though. Pronger has a 35+ contract, so Philly will be on the hook for his $4.92 million cap hit through 2016-17 even if he retires. In a way, it seems like his health collapsed the second that regrettable deal became valid in 2010-11.

Hopefully Pronger will come back healthy – eventually – but considering his rugged style and severe mileage, his big-picture outlook is grim.

[Munson]

I'm pretty sure they're okay as long as they LTIR him

Though I think the prospects of having someone on the LTIR for 5 and a half years may bring about some changes in the next CBA

[Geowhizzer]

The only problem with LTIR is that it doesn't help during the summer.  The cap is slightly higher, but it may leave less room for maneuvering.

That said, the CBA is up after this season (I believe), and that may be negotiated again.

[Seabiscuit36]

Suter/Weber time

[Munson]

hah