cmaleski2
Well-known member
Actually I think the NHL views it as a positive that players employed in the Department of Player Safety were not necessarily choir boys during their NHL careers. To me that makes the whole department MORE credible as the ex-players there have an understanding of the game and the difference between a lightning fast change in direction that caused a good hockey hit to go bad and a reckless play that should be punished. From Shanahan, to Quintal (who wasn't anyone's idea of Lady Byng candidate himself) to possibly Pronger, I think these guys are all perfectly qualified for the roles they are being asked to play.
I will admit that the idea of a player who is still being paid on an NHL player contract being also employed by the NHL is not the best circumstance, but I have no problem with Pronger's credibility and experience being used in the Player Safety department. If you want to argue that Pronger should be forced to retire as part of this so his financial ties to Philly are cut, I can understand that point of view. Pronger is only getting paid $4 million by the Flyers for one more season, then he gets $575k each for the final 2 years of his contract (if that matters to anyone).
I will admit that the idea of a player who is still being paid on an NHL player contract being also employed by the NHL is not the best circumstance, but I have no problem with Pronger's credibility and experience being used in the Player Safety department. If you want to argue that Pronger should be forced to retire as part of this so his financial ties to Philly are cut, I can understand that point of view. Pronger is only getting paid $4 million by the Flyers for one more season, then he gets $575k each for the final 2 years of his contract (if that matters to anyone).