Flyers confirm Chris Pronger's playing days are over

The Philadelphia Flyers have confirmed that defenseman Chris Pronger will never play professional hockey again.

Speaking to The Hockey News, general manager Paul Holmgren said "I'll say it, Chris is never going to play again. I have no problems saying it."

While this has widely been believed to be the case, the Flyers have never come out and admitted as much. This statement may affect the Flyers cap situation as Pronger is currently on long term injured reserve, and there's some question as to whether a team is allowed to use LTIR on a player they've openly admitted will never play another game.

Chris Pronger has not played a game since Nov. 19, 2011 and has been suffering issues with his right eye since being hit in the face by Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mikhail Grabovski on Oct. 24, 2011.