Pronger discusses future in interview

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger has addressed the future in his lengthiest interview since being diagnosed with a concussion.

Pronger spoke with Sportsnet’s Dan Murphy for a two-part series covering the 38-year-old’s health, post-concussion recovery and whether or not he’ll ever return to the NHL.

The interview will air on Wednesday and Thursday.

The former Flyers captain’s health issues began on Oct. 24, when he took a high-stick to the face while playing against Toronto.

Pronger temporarily lost vision in his right eye and was immediately put on medication to help relieve the pressure build-up, missing six games in the process.

He returned on Nov. 9 and went on to play five games, before exiting the lineup again on Nov. 19 against Winnipeg.

This time, though, there would be no return — weeks passed before Pronger was officially diagnosed with a concussion and shut down for the season.

In mid-December, he met with renowned concussion experts (Drs. Mickey Collins and Joe Maroon) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which began a long and arduous recovery process.

In Sept. 2012, he was reportedly still dealing with concussion issues, including headaches.

Pronger is currently on Long Term Injury Reserve, meaning his $4.94 million cap hit is off Philadelphia’s books. Because he signed his deal over the age of 35, retiring would mean the Flyers would be on the hook (cap-wise) for the entirety of the seven-year, $34.55 million deal signed in 2010.

That deal is set to expire at the end of the 2016-17 season.