Would something as major as a retirement announcement slip under the radar all this time without a single rumor?
- phillydentist

Sure, why not?

Lavy is going to have to start sitting Bryz sooner or later for a bit, nevermind bears in the bush and the humungous big universe, the man will be collapsing on the ice soon enough.
- Buzzo

Did you watch the Rangers game?

I agree, I think Boucher will get the nod against Buffalo. I think they've taken the "Bryz plays better the more he plays" idea to an extreme.

I understand that but why can't they make a one time exception for Pronger's situation? The probability of him ever playing again is slim to none and his deal was signed prior to the new CBA so I think some type of exception would be reasonable. I understand he COULD come back but this isn't like his foot is messed up or something.
- NickTheKid87

Do you really think a one time exception for one team is going to fly with the rest of the League? I don't see how he signed the deal before the last CBA factors in. This is not even taking into consideration cap recapture issues.

Why can't he lie and say he might come back then? That's what they've been doing the past seasons with him and Lappy.
- KGBflyers10

That would be fraud.

Would something as major as a retirement announcement slip under the radar all this time without a single rumor?
- phillydentist

Yes.

It would suck for the Flyers, but I'm sure it would give him a bit of relief. I can't begrudge him if he does decide to retire. Imagine 5 more years of a farce.
- Jsaquella

Exactly. And didn't he move back to St Louis? So he's contractually tied to a team 1000 miles or so away, and occasionally needs to travel back and forth...not pleasant for a guy who still has good days and bad days.

Why can't he lie and say he might come back then? That's what they've been doing the past seasons with him and Lappy.
- KGBflyers10

A player on LTIR does not have to lie and pretend that they might come back.

Do you really think a one time exception for one team is going to fly with the rest of the League? I don't see how he signed the deal before the last CBA factors in. This is not even taking into consideration cap recapture issues.
- MJL

The Devils applied for, and got relief, on the Mogilny contract. It wouldn't be unprecedented, although Pronger's situation is different in many ways.

Do you really think a one time exception for one team is going to fly with the rest of the League? I don't see how he signed the deal before the last CBA factors in. This is not even taking into consideration cap recapture issues.
- MJL

I also disagree with the cap recapture penalty.

And I'm not necessarily saying make it an exception just for Pronger, but allow teams to use one of their compliance buyouts on an injured/35+ player. That would only be applicable until 2014.

Exactly. And didn't he move back to St Louis? So he's contractually tied to a team 1000 miles or so away, and occasionally needs to travel back and forth...not pleasant for a guy who still has good days and bad days.
- tangent_man

He sold the Jersey house, and has been living back in St Louis. I could see the simple need for closure.

It would suck for the team, but I would be ok with him if that's the path he feels he needs to take.

A player on LTIR does not have to lie and pretend that they might come back.
- MJL

So isn't he on it right now? Why does he have to retire then?

I also disagree with the cap recapture penalty.

And I'm not necessarily saying make it an exception just for Pronger, but allow teams to use one of their compliance buyouts on an injured/35+ player. That would only be applicable until 2014.
- NickTheKid87

I don't see the league being on board for any sort of help for alleviating a frontloaded contract. Bettman took this exploitation pretty harshly, and those feelings were part of CBA negotiations if I remember correctly.

So isn't he on it right now? Why does he have to retire then?
- KGBflyers10

He would only retire because he wanted to. It's his decision.

So isn't he on it right now? Why does he have to retire then?
- KGBflyers10

He doesn't have to, but he may choose to do so.

EDIT: Leight

Do you really think a one time exception for one team is going to fly with the rest of the League? I don't see how he signed the deal before the last CBA factors in. This is not even taking into consideration cap recapture issues.
- MJL

I thought it was ridiculous when they put it in the first CBA and it's still ridiculous. If a guy is injured and can't play he should be able to retire with some class. I'm sure the league could hire a Dr. for a few bucks if they want to challenge the validity. It's completely useless to everyone to not acknowledge the obvious.

So isn't he on it right now? Why does he have to retire then?
- KGBflyers10

Maybe he wants closure. Maybe he doesn't want to deal with the distraction

I don't see the league being on board for any sort of help for alleviating a frontloaded contract. Bettman took this exploitation pretty harshly, and those feelings were part of CBA negotiations if I remember correctly.
- BulliesPhan87

Yeah but would the NHL be happy with having a guy sit on LTIR for 4 years?

I'm just playing Devil's advocate here with the cap.

I have no issue if Pronger retires. Guy deserves some tranquility in his life now.

Wasn't trying to sound like a big A-hole.

Yeah but would the NHL be happy with having a guy sit on LTIR for 4 years?
- NickTheKid87

In the case of the Flyers and Pronger, I think they might.

The Devils applied for, and got relief, on the Mogilny contract. It wouldn't be unprecedented, although Pronger's situation is different in many ways.
- Jsaquella

The Devils got the same Long term injury exception the Flyers are getting for Pronger.

I do think that if Pronger does retire the Flyers attempt to get the deal voided or be permitted to utilize a compliance buyout on Pronger.

The NHL confirmed to capgeek that over 35 deals are eligible to be nuked by a compliance buy out.

Wasn't trying to sound like a big A-hole.
- KGBflyers10

No worries, only one coming across like that was our Pittsburghian friend earlier

I thought it was ridiculous when they put it in the first CBA and it's still ridiculous. If a guy is injured and can't play he should be able to retire with some class. I'm sure the league could hire a Dr. for a few bucks if they want to challenge the validity. It's completely useless to everyone to not acknowledge the obvious.
- mayorofangrytown

There is nothing stopping any player from retiring.

I'm just playing Devil's advocate here with the cap.

I have no issue if Pronger retires. Guy deserves some tranquility in his life now.

Wasn't trying to sound like a big A-hole.
- KGBflyers10

Understood...I'm worried about the dead space, too. Any fan would be.

So isn't he on it right now? Why does he have to retire then?
- KGBflyers10

He doesn't have to retire.