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Chris Pronger skates for first time since back surgery; No timetable for season opener

Philadelphia Flyers v Buffalo Sabres - Game Six

BUFFALO, NY - APRIL 24: Chris Pronger #20 of the Philadelphia Flyers steps onto theice against the Buffalo Sabres in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at HSBC Arena at HSBC Arena on April 24, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

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When Chris Pronger does anything in Philadelphia it’s a big deal. That all comes with the territory of being the face of the Flyers franchise. When Pronger went in for back surgery in May, it immediately got fans worried about how things would shape up for this season and for his future in Philly.

Today Pronger took a big step in his rehabilitation as he was back on the ice skating for the first time since his operation. As CSNPhilly.com’s Tim Panaccio found out from the Flyers practice facility, things are getting better for Pronger but there’s still no timetable for his return to action.

Pronger estimated he was a “couple” weeks away from rejoining full team workouts. He will miss the start of Flyers training camp on Sept. 17 and part of camp itself, all of which was expected.

Whether Pronger is ready for the season opener Oct. 6 against the Cup champion Bruins is the larger issue. Right now, there is no timetable.

“I felt pretty good – how did I look? A little suspect going left to right or right to left?” Pronger kidded. “It’s been a while ... We’ll see how I feel tomorrow.

“Having not skated or done anything on the ice in 4 ½ months, you have to take it slowly and see how you feel, day-by-day. Usually, the first time on the ice you feel pretty good and then its day 2-3-4-5 that you’re a little suspect.”


Getting Pronger back in the full run of things for the Flyers is a big deal, but more importantly they want to make sure he’s fully right. The Flyers still have Pronger under contract for the next six seasons and with him being 36 years-old, getting the most out of him for the long run makes much more sense than rushing him back to action for the start of the season.

The Flyers will need Pronger to be at his best in order to make a run at the Stanley Cup this year and while they’ve made some huge moves this summer to change the culture and look of the team, Pronger is the main man for keeping order in Philly. He leads by example and takes charge on the ice as well, something that endears him to Flyers fans and makes opposing fans and players gnash their teeth. Pronger’s defensive ability is what helps the Flyers the most, however, and without him the Flyers lack that big presence on the blue line.

If Pronger isn’t ready to go by the season opener, it might be disappointing for Philadelphia but having him healthy and ready to go all season long and into the playoffs matters more in the long run. With Pronger having his sarcasm in midseason form today, he’s a lot closer to being back than ever.