Pronger leaves Panthers' front office for travel company

Chris Pronger is leaving his job as senior vice president of hockey operations with the Florida Panthers in order to work for a luxury travel company he co-founded with his wife, Lauren, the team announced Wednesday.

"Since joining our hockey operations staff in 2017, Chris approached his role with great passion and provided our team with a fresh and unique perspective," general manager Dale Tallon said in a statement. "A true professional, champion, and proud family man, we wish Chris, Lauren, and the Pronger family the very best in their new business endeavor, Well Inspired Travels."

Pronger joined the Panthers as a senior adviser before adding senior vice president of hockey operations to his title in 2019. In April, he said he was interested in potentially becoming a GM someday.

"I was able to grow as an executive and more importantly as a person in my three years with the hockey club," Pronger said Wednesday. "I wish the Panthers organization nothing but the best in the upcoming playoffs and years to come."

Pronger recorded 698 points in 1,167 games during his Hall of Fame playing career. The former Hart and Norris Trophy winner led three different teams to the Stanley Cup Final, winning in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks. Concussions ended his career in 2011-12.