Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet recently appeared on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio Morning Skate, where he joined hosts Gord Stellick and Scott Laughlin to discuss the ongoing speculation surrounding Chris Pronger’s potential interest in NHL management roles.
Stellick highlighted that Pronger’s name has been circulating for various executive openings, including with the Toronto Maple Leafs. While Pronger had previously denied being directly approached by Toronto, he hinted at future possibilities with a “never say never” attitude, emphasizing the need for the “right kind of situation.” Stellick also observed that fans are often drawn to “sexy names” for such roles, but successful management requires more than just a famous past.
Friedman, commenting on the buzz around Pronger, playfully acknowledged his immense talent as a player whom he “loved watching,” and humorously referred to his “sexiness” (in terms of appeal) as a candidate for a management position. Friedman confirmed that Pronger had an “informal introduction” or “talk” with the Nashville Predators during their general manager search, though it wasn’t a formal interview. Despite these discussions, Friedman believes Pronger is unlikely to be among Nashville’s finalists.
Further, Friedman shared insights into the working style of Keith Pelley, a figure with whom he has past professional experience. Pelley is known for his willingness to take meetings and listen to different perspectives and proposals from individuals. This suggests that if Pronger were to express interest in a role with the Maple Leafs or another team, Pelley would likely be open to a discussion.
Overall, there’s a strong indication from experts that Chris Pronger is indeed interested in a return to the NHL in a management capacity. Given his prominent status, it is widely expected that he will continue to explore opportunities not only with Nashville but also with other franchises, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, for whom this offseason is anticipated to bring significant changes.
