Report: Why Flyers D Chris Pronger can't hint at retirement

Chris Pronger has been sidelined since 2011 concussion. (Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News firmly predicts Flyers

Chris Pronger has been sidelined since 2011 concussion. (Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News firmly predicts Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger "will never skate another shift in the NHL" after concussion-like symptoms kept him out of the lineup since November of 2011 -- and why neither Pronger, nor the Flyers can even discuss retirement.

It’s just that no one - not Flyers management, not even Pronger himself - has been allowed to say anything other than that Pronger continues to work toward one day returning to the ice.

There is a reason Pronger has not addressed the media once since being sidelined. No one can say anything further. Since Pronger’s 7-year, $34.45 million extension with the Flyers kicked in after his 35th birthday, the Flyers are on the hook for his full salary cap hit should he or the club hint that he is retiring or formally sign the papers.

Why?