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Pre-game reading: Chris Pronger wants to be a GM

chris pronger

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 27: Former NHL player Chris Pronger is introduced during the NHL 100 presented by GEICO Show as part of the 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend at the Microsoft Theater on January 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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-- Chris Pronger’s post-playing career has been full of some bizarre and interesting turns. Technically he is still an “active” player in the NHL and under contract with the Arizona Coyotes, but he hasn’t suited up in a game since 2012, is already inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and is currently working in the league office as a part of the department of player safety.

One of his next goals: Being the general manager of an NHL team.

“I’m very interested one day in becoming a GM,” Pronger told ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun. “I have a lot to learn, and need to put some work in. But down the road at some point, under the right circumstances, it’s definitely something I’m interested in pursuing.’'

More from Lebrun:

The 42-year-old has sought out advice from the likes of Kings vice president Rob Blake, Ducks general manager Bob Murray and Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, among others. But perhaps most notably, Pronger also asked Steve Yzerman about his journey to becoming a general manager, which included four years of tutelage under general manager Ken Holland in Detroit before Yzerman got his own gig in Tampa Bay.

-- The New York Islanders have removed veteran forward Casey Cizikas from injured reserve. He has not played since Feb. 21. He has seven goals and 16 assists this season for the Islanders. He has been sidelined with a broken left hand.

-- Brian Elliott’s season has turned around in Calgary, and he credits his relationship with one of his idols, former NHL goalie Curtis Joseph, for helping him to get back on track with the Flames.

-- If you follow any hockey writers on Twitter you know they all hate the cannon in Columbus. But do you know who else hates it? Opposing players. Solution: Don’t give up goals.

-- Canucks goalie Jacob Markstrom has not appeared in a game since Feb. 16 due to injury but coach Willie Desjardins believes he will play again this season. He has a .910 save percentage in 25 appearances for the Canucks.

-- The Ottawa Senators have sent goalie Chris Driedger back to the American Hockey League, which means Craig Anderson is at least ready to serve as the team’s backup goaltender this weekend as he recovers from a lower body injury.