Chris Pronger's New Book Chronicles His Winding Post-NHL Journey
Writing a book represents the latest chapter in the diverse and evolving post-career path of Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger, following his nearly two decades in the NHL. His new publication, "Earned: The True Cost of Greatness from One of Hockey’s Fiercest Competitors," was released on Tuesday, offering insights into his life beyond the ice.
A Career Spanning Multiple Roles and Teams
Chris Pronger, who played for five teams during his NHL tenure, has experienced a similarly varied trajectory since his playing days ended. In a recent phone interview, Pronger reflected on his multifaceted journey, stating, "I’ve done a lot of different things. I went down the path of working in the league office, and then I worked for a team and then I took a break from hockey and helped my wife build out her business and kind of had the entrepreneurial bug and started to dive into business in that regard. And now kind of full-circle. I’ve kind of come back into hockey in the sense of broadcasting and public speaking."
His retirement was forced in 2011 due to a severe injury from a stick to the right eye, resulting in a concussion and other symptoms. Pronger described the initial challenges, noting, "That took some time. That was a challenge just in watching the games. You still think you can play. I had to realize first and foremost, this is not happening. I’m not physically able to do it."
Post-Retirement Ventures and Hall of Fame Induction
Despite being under contract, Pronger joined the NHL's Department of Player Safety in 2014 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, qualifying under the bylaws requiring three years away from his last regulation game. When his contract expired in 2017, he moved to the Florida Panthers front office as a senior adviser, a role he held for three years before settling into a quieter life in the St. Louis suburbs.
Recently, he has returned to the hockey scene as part of Amazon Prime's "Monday Night Hockey" broadcasting team. Regarding future opportunities, the 51-year-old remains open to working for an NHL team again, stating, "I never say never. I’ve had a couple opportunities over the years. It wasn’t the right fit, either for me or for them. I’m not pining over a job, but I’m certainly willing to have a conversation and talk to somebody, if they’re interested. But it would have to be the right team, the right position, the right job, the right opportunity that made sense and was appealing."
The Book: More Than a Sports Memoir
Pronger's book aims to go beyond a typical sports narrative, focusing on self-help, motivation, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his life and career. He explained, "The book is more for people than a typical sports book, where you’re reading about my career and a lot of things that maybe you can probably Google about me. Not that I’m bearing my soul, per se, but I’m peeling back the onion layers of difficult decisions and how we all have to continue to evolve and grow."
This publication marks a significant milestone in Pronger's ongoing journey, blending personal reflection with professional insights as he continues to navigate life after hockey.
